Chandigarh Moves Ahead with Stricter Pet Bylaws, Heavy Penalties in Sight

In a major policy shift aimed at enforcing responsible pet ownership, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has greenlit the final draft of the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2025. Once cleared by the UT Administration, these updated rules will replace the outdated 2010 framework, ushering in a new era of accountability for pet owners across the city.

Tighter Leash on Owners, Steep Penalties Ahead

The proposed bylaws drastically raise the stakes for non-compliance, with penalties set to increase by up to 200 times. Pet owners will now be held directly liable for any harm or property damage caused by their dogs. In public spaces, pets will only be allowed in regular parks, not high-traffic green zones like Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, or Leisure Valley. Owners must carry waste bags and clean up responsibly.

Open defecation by pets in public will attract fines, unless pet parents either guide their dogs to secluded areas or clean up immediately. Offenders could be slapped with fines as high as INR 10,000, and repeat violations could lead to impounding of the animal. More than four challans will automatically trigger this action, with continued non-compliance incurring daily fines of INR 200 for up to 10 days. If the dog remains unclaimed for 17 days, authorities may cancel its registration and auction it through open bidding.

Ban on Aggressive Breeds, Safety Protocols Mandatory

Seven dog breeds have been blacklisted for their aggressive tendencies: American Bulldog, American Pitbull or Pitbull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Pakistan Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. Existing owners will be given a 45-day window post-notification to register their pets. After this grace period, failure to comply will lead to penalties or impoundment.

Public safety measures will also see a sharp uptick. All dogs must be leashed in public, and aggressive breeds must additionally wear muzzles. Escorts handling such breeds must carry a stick to deter any sudden attacks. In extreme cases of aggression or injury, the dog may be seized, and legal consequences could follow.

No More Trash Disposal of Deceased Pets

A key public health clause prohibits the disposal of dead pets in garbage bins. Pet owners will now be required to either cremate or bury their animals privately. The bylaws also prohibit all commercial dog breeding or trading activities within city limits.

Dog Registration Now Mandatory

Under the proposed regulations, pet registration will be compulsory. Each dog must be registered with the MC for INR 500, renewable every five years. Adopted stray dogs will be charged a nominal fee of INR 50. Special provisions include exemptions for visually impaired individuals using assistance dogs.

Registered pets must always wear a collar and metal tag. Unregistered animals found in homes or roaming freely risk being impounded, with fines applicable. Owners of biting or aggressive dogs must not only pay damages to victims but may also face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Limits on Number of Dogs Per Household

The draft also introduces caps on the number of dogs allowed per household, based on property size:

• Up to 5 marla: 1 dog (or 3, if separate households exist on each floor)
• 5 to 12 marla: 2 dogs
• 12 marla to 1 kanal: 3 dogs (at least one must be an Indie)
• Above 1 kanal: 4 dogs (at least two must be Indies)

This measure appears to be a bid to promote adoption of Indian breeds while curbing overcrowding.

Other Developments: Community Centre Charges on Hold

On a separate note, the MC House deferred its plan to raise booking charges for community centres. The matter will be revisited after a survey is conducted to assess the quality and availability of facilities across the centres.

Chandigarh’s proposed Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2025, mark a significant shift towards stricter enforcement and civic discipline. While the measures may seem harsh to some, they reflect a broader effort to strike a balance between public health, safety, and animal welfare.