MC Undecided on the Prohibition of Six ‘Aggressive’ Dog Breeds

The proposal to ban six ‘aggressive’ dog breeds in Chandigarh has yet to be finalized, more than two months after the municipal corporation introduced it. The breeds in question are American BullDog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. The proposed amendment to the existing dog bylaws stipulates that owners of banned breeds will face penalties, and their pets will be seized immediately.

During the October 17 General House meeting, the draft of “The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Pet Dogs and Community Dogs Bylaws 2023” was presented, outlining the ban and other amendments. According to the proposal, owners violating the bylaws will face consequences, but exemptions will be granted to dogs registered with the MC before the new bylaws’ enactment. Such dogs must be muzzled and leashed during walks and undergo training with MC-registered trainers.

To prevent conflicts, the MC also proposed mandatory registration for volunteers, NGOs, dog lovers, groomers, pet breeders, shopkeepers, dog trainers, and dog hostels and creches owners. Pet dog registration will require a vaccination certificate from a government or private veterinary doctor.

The MC urged residents’ welfare associations to allocate spaces for feeding community dogs, emphasizing that canine owners should prevent their pets from defecating in public areas. However, the proposal faced delays as city councilors suggested amendments during discussions, leading to its deferral for subsequent meetings. The proposal should have been presented in the November House meeting, and no meeting occurred in December.

MC commissioner Anindita Mitra assured that the suggested amendments have been integrated into the new draft, “The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh pet dogs and community dogs bylaws 2023,” which is currently undergoing legal review. Once finalized, the draft will be approved in the January House meeting.