Chennai fines INR 500 for walking dogs without leash

Chennai: Starting November 24, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will begin enforcing new rules for pet owners across the city. Under the updated pet policy, walking dogs in public places without a leash will attract an INR. 500 spot fine. The move aims to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure public safety in neighbourhoods, parks, and common spaces.

As a part of this regulation, all pet dogs in Chennai must be licensed and microchipped. Pet owners who fail to obtain a licence will face a penalty of INR. 5000, following door-to-door inspections planned by the civic body. The GCC has upgraded its online pet licensing portal, making it easier for residents to register their pets digitally. 

In addition to the leash rule, owners of aggressive dog breeds will be required to use muzzles when taking their pets outdoors. The civic body has also advised that only one dog should be walked by an individual at a time, ensuring better control and safety in public areas.

To encourage compliance, the GCC will offer free microchipping services for pet dogs. This step is intended to help in the easy identification of lost or abandoned animals and improve record keeping for the city’s pet population. 

Officials from the GCC have stated that these measures are not just about imposing fines but about fostering a sense of responsibility among pet owners. Proper licensing and leasing, they said, would help reduce complaints about unleashed dogs and create a more pet-friendly but disciplined environment. 

With these new regulations, Chennai joins several other major Indian cities in tightening pet control laws. The initiative highlights the growing importance of structured pet ownership practices, balancing animal welfare with public safety in an increasingly urban setting.