AMC’s New Pet Policy: Stricter Rules on Dog Ownership, Safety, and Cleanliness

Ahmedabad: Following the tragic incident involving a Rottweiler that led to the death of an infant, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced a draft proposal that could reshape how pet dogs are owned and managed within city limits. These proposed regulations aim to introduce far tighter controls, placing full accountability on pet owners and detailing firm expectations for public conduct, hygiene, and safety.

The draft, which does not apply to community dogs, marks the strictest pet ownership framework seen in Ahmedabad to date. Its central principle is safety. According to the proposed rules, "owners are now solely liable for any loss, damage, or injury caused by a registered dog to any person or to their property". Owners would be obligated to "compensate victims if a dog bites or causes any other harm to a person or their property", with AMC officially distancing itself from any such liabilities.

To prevent harm or disturbances in public spaces, the proposal mandates that all dogs be kept under firm control. Any dog taken outdoors must be either leashed or chained. For aggressive breeds, an additional level of restraint is outlined: "Ferocious dogs must additionally be muzzled, and the accompanying person should carry a stick," as per the guidelines.

Cleanliness is another major concern under these new rules. "Owners are not allowed to permit their dogs to defecate in public places such as residential areas, green belts, parks, streets, roads, and other common places," with the burden of cleanup falling squarely on the owner. The draft further instructs pet parents to walk their dogs in less frequented areas and avoid allowing them to relieve themselves near others' homes.

On the matter of breeding and trading, the AMC has drawn a hard line. All commercial activity involving dogs is prohibited within municipal limits, with violators facing fines and potential impoundment of their animals.

The draft also touches on care standards. Owners are expected to provide adequate living space, proper food, and access to medical care. Inspections may be conducted at reasonable hours by civic officials to verify conditions. The framework further clarifies that pet registrations are not transferrable. A change in ownership requires a fresh application from the new caretaker.

Rabies vaccination is non-negotiable. As one senior AMC official stated, "Vaccination against rabies is mandatory, requiring the dog to be vaccinated by a govt veterinary practitioner or one registered with the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) or the State Veterinary Council (SVC)". Owners must keep the vaccination certificate ready for inspection by municipal authorities, or risk having their registration revoked.

If enacted, this new rulebook would represent a sharp shift toward structured, accountable pet ownership in urban Gujarat.