Chandigarh MC to tighten noose against violators of pet bylaws from April 1

Come April 1 and the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) will start cracking the whip against residents violating pet bylaws in the city.

MC commissioner Anindita Mitra said, “For pet dogs, we are starting an enforcement drive from April 1. Residents may kindly ensure that all formalities as per pet bylaws, such as registration etc, are complete by then.”

Lax implementation in past

While Chandigarh has struggled to manage its stray dog population over the years, the largely unregulated pet dog population and laxity in implementation of bylaws have also elicited strong criticism from city residents. Till date approximately 9,500 pet dogs have been registered with the MC.

In 2020, MC had increased the penalty on violations from ₹500 to ₹5,000. It had also increased charges if a dog is detained or seized, from ₹100 to ₹1,000. Similarly, charges for continuation of violation were hiked from ₹20 a day to ₹200 a day for seven days, and if the owner does not take the dog in that period, registration is to be cancelled and the municipal corporation can seize the animal. Pet dog registration charges were increased from ₹200 to ₹500.

Though the charges had been increased by almost 10 times, the heavier penalties failed to discourage violators due to poor enforcement.

Frequent complaints from RWAs

The issue of pet dogs was also taken up in the MC General House meeting recently and residents’ welfare associations (RWA) have also raised the issue from time to time. Pankaj Gupta, chief spokesman, FOSWAC (Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh), said, “Open defecation in public spaces, even near people’s residences, non-registration of pet dogs, people taking out their dogs without a leash, and dangerous breeds taken out casually have led to severe problems for residents. These often even lead to constant bickering and fights between neighbours.”

The bylaws stipulate mandatory registration of dogs with MC and submission of vaccination certificate. Pet dogs are not allowed to defecate in public spaces and if it happens the owner has to get it cleaned.

If a dog bites anybody, it is the sole responsibility of the owner. Taking pet dogs to Sukhna Lake, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Mini Rose Garden, Terraced Garden and Shivalik Garden is prohibited.

Special zones for pet dogs

MC will also start earmarking designated zones for taking out pet dogs.

On the need for such zones, BJP councilor Saurabh Joshi said, “People should have designated areas, at least four in each sector, for taking out their dogs. Only registered dogs should be allowed here.”

MC chief Anindita Mitra Mitra said, “We are also planning to earmark areas where dog owners can walk their pet dogs instead to taking them to parks. Also, carrying poop bags and ensuring that there is no dog poop left behind is the responsibility of the pet owners and they shall be motivated to do the same.”

The zones are likely to be created across the city over the next six months. “We will try to designate one green belt in every sector, or a portion in the bigger park. We shall have to examine whether any approvals from chief architect, UT, is required,” said Mitra.