AMC Pushes Pet Ban in Public Spaces After Rottweiler Incident

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has put up signs across all city gardens and the Sabarmati Riverfront stating a ban on pets. However, the actual enforcement of this rule has been inconsistent. Despite the signage, residents continue to take their dogs for walks along the Sabarmati Riverfront promenades and inside various public gardens.

The tragic event in Hathijan, where a pet rottweiler fatally attacked a four-month-old infant, has pushed local authorities to rethink how strictly the pet ban in public areas like gardens and the riverfront is being applied.

An AMC official shared, "From Jan 1, registration of all pet dogs was made mandatory. In the case of the pet dog involved in the Hathijan attack on the infant, it was not registered. We approached the police for action. The rottweiler involved was captured and placed in a dog shelter. We are considering penalties for pet owners who failed to register their dogs."

The official went on to say, "According to guidelines, pet owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not harm others. Therefore, we are considering creating and enforcing the existing rules in the wake of the Hathijan incident. This will not happen immediately, but rules will be established and strictly enforced. Also, a public notice will soon be issued making it mandatory to muzzle dogs in public."

Between Jan 1 and May 13, 5,520 pet dog registrations were recorded in the city, filed by 4,848 owners.