GCC halts pet licences for Pit Bulls and Rottweilers

Residents in Greater Chennai Corporation limits will no longer be allowed to apply for new dog licences or renew existing ones for Pit Bull and Rottweiler breeds as they are considered ferocious and aggressive, as per a resolution passed by the civic body’s Council on Friday. They were also asked to strictly follow the leashing and muzzling rules for all pet dogs while in public.

The Council also approved new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling stray dogs in line with Supreme Court directions.

The ban on new pet licences and renewal of existing licences for the two dog breeds will be implemented from Saturday. Owners without pet licences will receive a penalty of ₹1 lakh, according to the GCC. Further, those with valid licences were directed to ensure that the animals were properly leashed and muzzled when taken outside. A fine of ₹5,000 will be imposed on those who fail to comply, the GCC said.

The Council also approved new SOPs for managing stray dogs, requiring the GCC to construct compound walls and gates on the campuses of government and public institutions within eight weeks to prevent entry of stray dogs. Officials must inspect these areas at least once every three months to ensure that no dogs are present. If found, the dogs must be caught, sterilised, vaccinated, and handed over to shelters or volunteers.

Dogs caught from these spaces must undergo animal birth control (ABC) surgery and anti-rabies vaccination as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, but must not be released back into the same campuses. Instead, they will be handed over to NGOs, dog shelters, or volunteers for permanent shelter. The shelters are required to maintain proper data of all dogs received, ensure regular feeding and medical care, and cooperate with inspections by GCC veterinary officers.

“Feeding cost of ₹50 per dog per day will be provided by the Corporation, and for shelters maintaining 20 or more dogs, wages of ₹750 per person per day for two workers will be paid,” according to GCC.

Volunteers adopting rescued dogs without cost must sign a commitment bond assuring proper maintenance, as per the rules.