Chennai: In a significant move to regulate pet ownership, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced that it will be mandatory for all pet owners within its limits to carry a valid licence while walking their dogs, effective November 24. Failure to produce the licence upon inspection will result in a hefty fine of ₹5,000. The decision, passed in a corporation council meeting chaired by Mayor Priya Rajan, aims to address public safety and hygiene concerns.
The new regulations also impose additional penalties for other infractions. Pet owners caught walking their dogs without a leash or taking multiple dogs for a walk at once will be fined ₹500. To ensure compliance, GCC health workers are authorized to conduct door-to-door inspections, and fines will be collected by divisional health and sanitation inspectors.
Online Licensing System: How to Secure Your Pet’s Licence for Just ₹50
The GCC has been operating an online licensing system since August 2023 to streamline the process for pet owners. To obtain a licence, owners must register on the portal, upload their details along with a photograph of their pet, and pay a nominal fee of ₹50. Crucially, the rabies vaccination certificate and microchip implantation details must be uploaded directly by registered veterinarians.
Once this information is verified by Zonal Veterinary Officers, the licence is issued. The corporation has clarified that this licence must be renewed annually. So far, approximately 10,000 pets have been licensed through this online system. To facilitate the new rule, the GCC is offering free microchipping at its clinics and has trained private veterinarians for the procedure, which is now compulsory for licensing. Here’s is the link https://petservice.gccservices.in/department/login
A One-Month Grace Period to Comply with Stricter Pet Regulations
The corporation has provided a one-month grace period for pet owners to comply with the new mandatory licensing rule before penalties are enforced starting November 24. The resolution, passed under Section 292 of the Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998 Rules 2023, outlines several key responsibilities for pet owners.
These include ensuring controlled breeding, vaccination, and sterilization of their pets. Owners are also legally responsible for ensuring their pets do not trouble others, are not taken to public places without a collar or mask, and do not defecate in public spaces. The GCC stated that these measures are intended to eliminate public threats and the challenge of cleaning up pet waste on roads, creating a more orderly and hygienic urban environment.