Dog bylaws in Chandigarh are still waiting to take effect

Chandigarh: The dog bylaws in Chandigarh are still hanging in the balance. Despite the final draft of the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws being approved more than two months ago by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC), the rules meant to regulate pet ownership and control stray dog issues have not yet been notified and implemented, leaving both pet owners and residents in a state of uncertainty.

The new dog laws in Chandigarh were designed to modernise pet management and bring accountability. Some of the most important changes include mandatory dog registration in Chandigarh with the municipal corporation, stricter control on aggressive and exotic breeds, use of leashes and muzzles in public areas, rules for pet owners to clean up after their dogs, and heavy penalties for violations; fines increased by nearly 200 times compared to previous amounts. On paper, these rules could have been proven well for both responsible pet owners and residents who have long complained about dog bites, hygiene concerns, and unchecked free-roaming pets.

The problem lies in the lack of notification of the Chandigarh pet rules. Until the bylaws are officially notified, the municipal corporation has no authority to implement or penalise violations. Officials have cited ongoing administrative reviews and legal vetting as reasons for the delay, but the wait has stretched far too long. Meanwhile, the city continues to face rising complaints about stray dogs and irresponsible ownership. Residents say that while awareness is important, only strict enforcement of the dog laws in Chandigarh will ensure discipline.

The delay has caused mixed reactions. Pet owners are uncertain about whether to proceed with dog registration or wait until the bylaws are officially active. Many fear sudden fines or confusion once the rules finally take effect. On the other hand, residents who were promised stricter enforcement feel disappointed. They were expecting relief from increasing dog bite cases and nuisance caused by untrained or unrestrained pets.

Animal welfare groups add another dimension to the debate. They stress that while penalties are necessary, the city also needs better infrastructure like shelters, sterilisation drives, and awareness campaigns. Without these, they argue, the pet rules in Chandigarh might end up being too punitive rather than balanced.

The longer the wait, the more questions arise about the administration’s seriousness in handling civic issues. The dog bylaws in Chandigarh could serve as a model for other Indian cities if implemented well. Until then, they remain just words on paper, leaving both pet owners and citizens in limbo. It is now up to the Chandigarh administration to move from promises to action and finally put these pet rules in Chandigarh into effect. Only then will the city truly see the impact of its modernised dog management system.