Chennai Proposes INR 25,000 Fine for Abandoning Pet Dogs

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed a INR 25,000 fine for residents who abandon pet dogs in the city. The proposal is aimed at addressing the growing problem of pet abandonment and its impact on Chennai’s stray dog population. However, the fine is not yet in force and will require approval from the GCC Council.

The move comes after the GCC received several complaints about pet dogs being abandoned within the city. According to the Corporation, abandoned pets can add to the stray dog problem in Chennai and make it harder to manage the city's dog population. The GCC recorded 15,477 complaints related to stray dogs during the first six months of 2026, highlighting the scale of the issue. 

The Corporation already has measures such as pet licensing and microchipping in place. Pet owners in Chennai are required to obtain a pet licence from the Corporation. GCC's system also uses microchips containing information such as the pet owner's name and address, which can help identify owners if a pet is abandoned.

There was a reported increase in complaints about abandoned pet dogs. So, GCC made microchipping of pet animals mandatory as part of efforts to prevent pet abandonment.

Alongside these measures, the GCC has started an anti-rabies vaccination drive in Chennai, targeting nearly 2 lakh dogs over 75 working days. The campaign aims to vaccinate around 3,000 dogs each day, covering both pet and stray dogs.

For now, the proposed INR 25,000 fine for abandoning pet dogs remains subject to GCC Council approval. If approved, it would add a specific penalty for pet abandonment to the city's existing pet licence and microchipping rules.