DogExpress
While Chandigarh has battled to control its stray dog population over the years, citizens have also been critical of the city’s mostly unregulated pet dog population and low enforcement of rules. The MC has received around 9,500 pet dog registrations to date.
On April 1, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) will begin enforcing pet bylaws in the city.
“For pet dogs, we are initiating an enforcement drive from April 1,” MC commissioner Anindita Mitra stated. Residents should make sure that all pet bylaw obligations, such as registration, are completed by then.”
No more Lax implementation of rules
While Chandigarh has battled to control its stray dog population over the years, citizens have also been critical of the city’s mostly unregulated pet dog population and low enforcement of rules. The MC has received around 9,500 pet dog registrations to date.
MC increased the punishment for infractions from INR 500 to INR 5,000 in 2020. It also raised the fine for detaining or seizing a dog from INR 100 to INR 1,000. Similarly, the fine for continuing a violation was raised from INR 20 to INR 200 each day for seven days, and if the owner does not pick up the dog within that time, the registration will be canceled, and the animal would be seized by the municipal corporation. The registration charges for pet dogs were increased from INR 200 to INR 500.
Despite the fact that the charges had been increased nearly tenfold, the harsher penalties failed to deter violators due to a lack of enforcement.
RWAs have frequently expressed their dissatisfaction
Pet dogs were also discussed at a recent MC General House meeting, and residents’ welfare associations (RWA) have highlighted the problem on several occasions. A spokesman for FOSWAC said that open defecation in public spaces, even near people’s residences, non-registration of pet dogs, people taking their dogs out without a leash, and dangerous breeds taken out casually have led to severe problems for residents. These frequently result in incessant squabbling and confrontations among neighbors.
The bylaws require that dogs be registered with MC and submit a vaccination certificate. Pet dogs are not permitted to defecate in public areas, and if this occurs, the owner is responsible for cleaning it up.
If a dog bites someone, the owner has complete responsibility. It is forbidden to bring pets to Sukhna Lake, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Mini Rose Garden, Terraced Garden, and Shivalik Garden.
Zones dedicated to pet dogs
MC will also begin designating certain areas for taking out pet canines for a walk or play activities.
BJP councilor Saurabh Joshi said that people should have designated locations, at least four in each sector, for letting out their pets. Only registered canines should be permitted on the premises.
They intend to earmark locations where dog owners can walk their pet dogs instead of taking them to parks. Pet owners are also responsible for carrying poop bags and ensuring that no dog feces is left behind, and they will be encouraged to do so.
Over the next six months, the zones are likely to be established around the city. The administration will strive to designate one green belt or a piece of a larger park in each sector. They will see if any clearances from the head architect at UT are required.
in Chandigarh, India. 
