7 days ago
Owners now will be held responsible for their dogs' poop too
In a move aimed at improving pet management and public safety, the General House of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Chandigarh on Tuesday approved the final draft of the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws 2025.
The bylaws, which will now be sent to the Chandigarh Administration for final approval, impose strict responsibilities on pet owners, including liability for dog bites or any damage to persons or property, and restrictions on dog access to large public green spaces.
Under the proposed regulations, dog owners must submit a written undertaking committing to full compliance. They will be prohibited from taking their dogs to several high-footfall areas and iconic locations such as Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shantikunj, Terrace Garden, Mini Rose Garden, and Shivalik Garden. However, pet walking will still be permitted in regular parks, provided owners carry poop bags and clean up.
The draft mandates that all dogs be leashed in public, with ferocious breeds also muzzled. An escort must carry a stick while walking aggressive dogs. Dog owners will be held fully accountable for their pet's conduct, including instances of aggression, injury, or property damage. In severe cases, authorities may seize the dog and impose financial penalties.
Disposal of deceased pets in public bins or municipal spaces will be strictly forbidden. Instead, owners must cremate pets at designated facilities or ensure respectful private burials.
The bylaws uphold a ban on seven aggressive breeds, as earlier adopted under the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules. The rules ban ownership of seven aggressive dog breeds, including American Bulldog, American Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. Violation of this rule may result in a fine of Rs 10,000.
The draft also prohibits dog breeding or trading for commercial purposes within city limits. Violators could face fines and impoundment of their pets.
Additionally, defecation by pets in public areas, residential spaces, and common facilities will not be tolerated. Owners must clean up after their dogs or take them to isolated areas for defecation.
The final draft was shaped through discussions led by the Joint Commissioner-I of the MC, the Medical Officer of Health (also Secretary of SPCA), and other key stakeholders.
The bylaws also provide a detailed breakdown of how many dogs can be kept based on plot size:
Up to 5 marla – 1 dog
5 to 12 marla – 2 dogs
12 marla to 1 kanal – 3 dogs (including at least one mongrel/ Indie dog)
More than 1 kanal – 4 dogs (including at least two mongrel/ Indie dogs)
