After two years of discussions, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MCC) has finally notified and enforced the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2023. The new rules came into effect on Thursday and intend to regulate pet ownership, manage community dogs, and ensure public safety.
These bylaws were okayed by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday after discussions with senior officials. The civic body issued the notification the same evening, putting the long-awaited regulations into force.
One major change in the final version of the bylaws is the lowering of penalties. Earlier, the proposed fines ranged between Rs 200 and Rs 10,000. However, all fines have now been capped at Rs 500 per violation.
An MC official said the legal department recommended lowering the penalties during scrutiny, citing limits under the current Municipal Corporation Act. “The existing legal framework does not allow fines above Rs 500 per case. We may consider legal amendments in the future to make the bylaws stricter, but for now, Rs 500 is the maximum permissible fine,” the official said.
Aggressive breeds banned
To increase public safety, the MCC has prohibited six dog breeds classified as aggressive: American Bulldog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler, along with their crossbreeds. However, the ban will not apply retrospectively. Owners who had registered these breeds with the MC before the bylaws came into force have been exempted.
Registration compulsory for all stakeholders
For the first time, the bylaws make it compulsory for not only pet owners but also dog breeders, pet shop owners, trainers, groomers, and animal welfare NGOs to register with the municipal corporation. The move aims to establish a detailed database of all stakeholders and strengthen accountability.
“All breeders, shopkeepers, trainers, and dog hostel operators must register with the MC and operate only from commercial premises,” an official said. This would enable closer monitoring of their activities and ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, the official added.
RWA’s responsibility to assign feeding zones
To resolve ongoing disputes over community dog feeding, the bylaws assign the responsibility to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to assign specific feeding areas within their localities.
If an RWA fails to identify such spots, the Municipal Corporation will take charge and mark suitable locations on its own. “These feeding zones must be away from children's play areas, public gathering spots, and dog-walking routes to prevent conflicts,” said an MC official.
Key Provisions at a Glance
• Registration fee: Rs 500 per dog, with renewal required every five years at Rs 50.
• Penalty: Rs 500 per offence; multiple violations can be combined.
• Seizure and disposal: Unclaimed dogs after seven days may be adopted or sold through registered NGOs.
• Maintenance charges: Rs 200 per day for each seized dog, for up to seven days.
• Restricted areas: Dogs are not allowed in public parks and gardens, including Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, and similar locations.
• Owner liability: Pet owners will be fully responsible for any harm or damage caused by their dogs; the MC will not be held liable.
Enforcement & Inspections
The new bylaws authorize designated MC officials — including veterinarians, sanitary inspectors, and health supervisors — to conduct inspections, identify unregistered dogs, and seize them when required. Dog owners must cooperate during inspections conducted at reasonable hours. If fines are not paid within seven days, the MC can recover the amount by adding it to the violator’s water or property tax bills, or as arrears under the Punjab Revenue Act.
Limit on Number of Dogs per House
• Up to 5 marla house: One dog allowed; if the house has three floors, one dog may be kept on each floor.
• 10 marla house: Up to two dogs permitted.
• 12 marla house: Up to three dogs permitted.
• 1 kanal house: Up to four dogs permitted.
Compliance with Supreme Court Guidelines
The bylaws align with the Supreme Court’s August directives on stray dog management. Key measures include:
• Segregation of aggressive and rabid dogs.
• Designated enclosures for aggressive animals.
• Identified feeding points in every municipal ward.
• Active participation of RWAs in marking feeding zones.
• Mandatory sterilisation of stray dogs under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.
• Dedicated helplines for complaints and assistance related to stray dogs.
• Legal action against individuals obstructing implementation of these rules.
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