Pet Dog Licensing in Chennai Challenged in Madras HC

Chennai: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) pet licensing regulations, particularly the November 24, 2025 deadline. The petition, submitted by the NGO People for Cattle in India (PFCI), argues that the licensing requirement and associated rules are procedurally unfair. 

The GCC announced in October that pet owners must obtain licenses for dogs and cats by November 24. Failure to comply, the civic body said, could result in INR 5,000 fine. Additionally, the order stipulates that some dogs be muzzled in public, and spot fines of INR 500 may be imposed for violations. 

In its petition, the PFCI contends that the corporation’s online portal has significant “technical glitches” that make licensing difficult. The group also points out that rescue organisations, foster homes, and NGOs caring for multiple animals have not been given adequate exemptions or a clear framework under the new rules. 

A key data point: the PFCI notes that the GCC estimates the city to have around 100,000 pet dogs, but only about 20,000 registrations have been completed so far, raising serious doubts about how the remaining 80,000 can be licensed in the short time left before the cut-off. 

During the court hearing, Justice V. Lakshminarayanan raised questions on the feasibility of completing such large-scale licensing in the given timeframe. He granted the GCC 10 days to file a detailed response, adjourning the matter for a subsequent hearing. 

The PFCI has asked the court to suspend the November 24 deadline, quash the INR 5,000 penalty provision, and make special licensing provisions for welfare organisations and temporary animal care homes. They argue that the current rules could unduly penalize well-meaning animal welfare groups and fosters. 

How the GCC responds, and whether the court agrees to adjust or delay enforcement, will determine whether the licensing deadline, the fines, or the muzzling requirement are modified, potentially reshaping Chennai’s pet regulation landscape.