Pet Owners Fined in Lucknow for Unregistered Pet Dogs

Lucknow: In an early morning inspection drive, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) found six pet dogs without valid licenses in Gomti Nagar on Tuesday. The drive was carried out to check violations of pet ownership rules and to ensure public safety and hygiene in residential areas.

The inspection was conducted by the LMC Animal Welfare Department along with the enforcement wing and dog catching squad. The team was led by Animal Welfare Officer Dr. Abhinav Verma. Officials went door to door in selected lanes of Gomti Nagar after receiving complaints related to unregistered pets.

During the drive, six pet dogs were found without mandatory registration and valid documents. The owners were fined for violating the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (Dog Control) Bye-laws, 2003. Around INR 30,000 was collected as penalty, which comes to nearly INR 5,000 per unlicensed dog. Apart from the fines, INR 6,000 was also collected as license fees as all six dogs were registered on the spot. This took the total amount deposited into the municipal treasury to INR 36,000.

Speaking about the drive, Dr. Abhinav Verma said that pet registration and rabies vaccination are not optional and must be followed by all pet owners. He also stressed that dogs must be kept on a strong leash when taken outside. “Such drives will continue from time to time to maintain safety, cleanliness and to avoid any untoward incidents,” he added.

Rules Every Pet Parent in Lucknow Must Follow

Under the LMC Dog Control Bye-laws, pet owners are required to follow some basic rules:

• Every pet dog must be registered with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation
• A valid anti-rabies vaccination certificate is compulsory
• Dogs must be on leash when taken to public places
• Pet owners must clean up after their dog in public areas, fine of INR 500 for not doing so
• Sterilization is mandatory for adopted stray dogs

The number of dogs allowed also depends on house size. For houses below 200 sq meters, only two dogs and for houses above 200 sq meters can have 4 dogs only.

The LMC has also restricted the breeding and sale of certain ferocious breeds like Pitbull, Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Japanese Tosa and Dogo Argentino.Owners who already have these breeds are required to get them sterilized.

How Pet Parents Can Register Their Dogs

Pet owners can register their dogs either online or offline. The license is valid for one financial year and must be renewed every year.

Online Registration:

• Visit: lucknow.upnn.co.in and go to the “Pet Registration” section
  
  
  
  
• Sign up using your mobile number and OTP
  
  
  
  
• Fill owner and pet details
  
  
  
  
• Upload dog’s photo, anti-rabies vaccination card, and owner’s ID and address proof
  
  
• Pay the fee online and download the digital license after approval
  
  

Offline Registration:

• Visit LMC head office in Lalbagh or your nearest municipal zonal office
• Selected government veterinary hospitals also help with registration

Fees and Penalties

• Registration fee for Desi/Indie dogs is INR 200 per year and for foreign breeds - INR 1,000 per year
• Penalty for non-registration: INR 5,000
• Late renewal charge: INR 50 per day

LMC officials have advised pet owners to keep their dog’s license handy, even in digital form, while going for walks. Carrying poop bags and keeping dogs on leash can help avoid fines and also keeps the neighbourhood safe.

With more such drives planned in the coming months, pet parents are advised not to wait for inspections and complete their registration on time.