Pet Dog Registration Fee in Ahmedabad Hiked, Registrations to cost more

Ahmedabad: Registering a pet dog in Ahmedabad has become more expensive. The registration fee has been increased from INR 200 to INR 500 and will remain at this revised rate until June 30; the deadline for regular registration without penalty ended on May 31.

In Ahmedabad, only 15,470 out of the city’s 50,000 pet dogs have been registered so far. The recent push for compliance follows a tragic incident on May 14, when a young girl lost her life after being attacked by a pet dog in Hathijan. The dog, which was not registered with the municipal authorities, was later captured by the Animal Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) and sent for treatment, eventually succumbing to an underlying health issue. The incident triggered swift action from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, including penalties for the dog’s owner and a renewed focus on mandatory registration.

Prior to the incident, from January 1 to May 15, only 5,548 dogs had been registered by 4,874 owners. Since the incident, the number of pet dog registrations has spiked; between May 14 and May 31, a total of 9,928 dogs were brought under the registration system. The highest single-day registration was recorded on May 30, when 925 people registered 1,037 dogs. A noticeable increase in participation was seen in the final week of May, as awareness of the deadline and potential penalties grew.

Altogether, 13,654 dog owners have now registered 15,470 dogs with the CNCD. However, municipal officials have warned that the remaining unregistered dog owners could face action. Those who register after May 31 will be required to pay an additional INR 300 in late fees, and will also receive formal notices from the department. Officials have further indicated that the fee could rise again after June 30 if registration rates do not improve.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has stated that the registration drive is not only a legal requirement but also part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure and services for pet dogs and their owners. For this system to be effective, authorities insist that knowing the accurate number of pet dogs in the city is essential.