Mohali to Fine INR 20,000 or Auction Pets Found Roaming

Punjab: The Mohali Municipal Corporation (MMC) has adopted a stricter policy to curb the rising number of stray and roaming animals in the city. As per the latest decision, any pet or domestic animal found roaming freely on roads will be seized by the civic agency. Owners wishing to reclaim their animal will have to pay a fine of INR 20,000. If the fine is not paid in time, the animal may be put up for auction. 

According to MMC records, the city currently has over 20,000 stray dogs, and on average 20-25 dog-bite cases are reported daily. In addition, unattended cows and buffaloes on roads have caused multiple traffic hazards, property damage and hygiene problems. 

Under the new guidelines: 

• Animals found roaming without containment may be seized.
• Owners must pay the INR 20,000 fine to reclaim the animal.
• If the fine is not paid in the stipulated time, the animal will be auctioned.
• Animals without identifiable owners will be relocated to shelters or gaushalas. 

Pet owners are urged to ensure mandatory registration of their domestic animals and to keep them within proper enclosures. 

The Corporation’s commissioner, Parminder Pal Singh, noted that the previous penalty was too low and thus failed to deter owners. “Many owners deliberately let their animals roam freely, causing traffic disruptions and accidents. Strict action will now be taken against such negligence,” he said. To enforce the measure, the civic body plans to increase animal-catching teams, deploy special vehicles, and train staff. 

Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu emphasised public safety and cooperation: “We do not wish to harm any animal, but public safety is our top priority. With citizens’ cooperation, we can make Mohali’s roads cleaner and safer.”

Implementation challenges remain. The article notes that despite the new announcement, the city still lacks sufficient cow shelters and animal homes. Residents have flagged that while stray animal numbers rise, infrastructure and resources remain stretched. 

The policy change is aimed at tackling the “stray and free-roaming animal menace” a longstanding civic challenge for Mohali. Owners and residents are advised to take note of the rules and act accordingly to avoid penalties.