Greater Chennai Corporation Announces New Pet Dog Regulations

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced new regulations for pet dogs, mandating that they be leashed, muzzled, and licensed. However, just one day after announcing these rules, the civic agency acknowledged a significant gap in enforcement capabilities, citing a lack of staff, infrastructure, and penalties. This situation arises in the wake of two recent incidents involving dog attacks, raising concerns about public safety.

In May 2024, following a tragic incident in which two rottweilers mauled a five-year-old child in Nungambakkam, the GCC had previously advised pet owners to keep their dogs leashed. Despite this warning, no enforcement actions were taken against pet owners who failed to comply. The latest regulations were issued after a pitbull attacked and killed a man in Jafferkhanpet, prompting GCC to adopt even stricter measures and threaten legal consequences for violators.

R Priya, the Mayor of Chennai, did not respond to inquiries regarding the new rules. Meanwhile, K N Nehru, the municipal administration minister, stated, “Aggressive foreign breeds have been banned for more than a year now. We have not seized these dogs so far because there is a case pending in court. But now, pet licenses are mandatory. Unlicensed dogs will be seized.”

With the introduction of these regulations, residents may wonder how the GCC plans to address complaints about aggressive dogs in their neighborhoods. M Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Mayor, explained that pet owners are advised against keeping aggressive breeds. If a complaint is lodged, the GCC will issue a warning. Repeated offenses could lead to the dog being seized and handed over to the Blue Cross of India, a prominent animal welfare organization.

The GCC officials indicated that the new orders were issued under Section 44 of the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act of 1939, which grants health officers authority to “abate nuisances.” However, J Kamal Hussain, GCC’s veterinary officer, clarified that the agency lacks the means to seize dogs and has yet to establish penalties. There are currently no appointments for dog catchers or veterinarians, and funding for dog pounds is insufficient.

Officials have expressed uncertainty about the way forward. “We are debating among ourselves and brainstorming with the members of the Animal Welfare Board of India to see if we have powers to even seize a dog. The board’s approval is also necessary before finalising guidelines,” one official noted. Even if empowered, the GCC would need to rely on non-governmental organizations for adequate space, as there are not enough animal birth control (ABC) centers.

In past incidents, the two rottweilers involved in the earlier mauling were returned to their owner, who has since relocated them to a farm in Madurai. The pitbull implicated in the recent attack is currently at the Kannamapet ABC center. According to Dr R Dayanithi from the center, “The dog has shown no aggressive behaviour and is being provided food.” The dog’s owner is currently hospitalised, and vaccinations will be administered prior to its return.

To enhance enforcement of the new regulations, the GCC is looking towards technology. Microchipping will be mandatory for both stray and pet dogs in Chennai, enabling authorities to monitor abandonment and vaccination status. Each dog must be registered with details of its microchip.

A monitoring mechanism is set to be introduced soon, with sanitary inspectors in all 15 zones tasked with checking compliance in public areas, including parks. Complaints about pet dogs can be reported through the helpline at 1913. Dr Hussain confirmed, “We are committed to ensuring the safety of residents while also promoting responsible pet ownership.”

As the GCC navigates these new regulations, the effectiveness of enforcement remains to be seen, particularly in light of the significant challenges posed by insufficient resources and infrastructure.