Chennai GCC Fines Pet Owners INR 3.78 Lakh for Rule Violations

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has collected INR 3.78 lakh in fines from pet owners in just two weeks for not following basic pet rules. These include not having a valid dog licence, skipping microchipping, and walking dogs without a leash in public places.

According to officials, daily checks were carried out in parks, beaches and residential areas across the city. During these inspections, several pet owners were fined for letting dogs roam without leashes, while others were penalised for missing licences or microchips.

GCC teams, along with veterinarians, have been using microchip scanners during these drives to verify registration details. Officials said most fines were issued for unleashed dogs, followed by cases where pet owners had not completed licensing or microchipping.

Why GCC Is Enforcing These Rules

The corporation has made dog licensing and microchipping mandatory to improve public safety and encourage responsible pet ownership. Microchipping helps identify pets easily if they are lost or involved in complaints, while licensing allows the civic body to maintain accurate records.

Despite GCC offering free anti-rabies vaccination, microchipping and licences, compliance has remained low. This has led the civic body to step up enforcement across Chennai.

What Pet Owners Should Know

• Pet owners in Chennai are required to:
• Get their dogs licensed and microchipped
• Ensure dogs are on a leash in public spaces
• Carry proof of licence during walks

Officials have advised pet parents to complete registration at GCC clinics or approved centres to avoid fines during inspections. The enforcement drive highlights increased scrutiny of pet rules in the city, making it important for pet owners to stay informed and prepared.