Chandigarh Administrator Approves Pet & Community Dog Bylaws

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has approved the Chandigarh Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws-2023, with the changes set to be implemented soon. 

Under the new bylaws, registration of pet dogs will be mandatory. Pet parents will also only be allowed to keep dogs based on the area of their residence. Breed-specific legislation is present as well, with Chandigarh set to ban seven dog breeds, including the Bulldog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler.

The Chandigarh Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws were initially proposed in 2023. After being discussed in several house meetings, the house passed the bylaws and forwarded them to the administration in 2024, which were approved recently. 

According to the bylaws, all pet dogs in Chandigarh must be registered. To register your dog, you will need two recent photos of the dog, vaccination certificate, along with the application form. The registration charges are INR 500 per dog. 

Upon registration, dogs will be provided with a metal token, which should be attached to the dog’s collar as proof of registration and identification. The registration is valid for a period of 5 years, after which it must be renewed. Chandigarh’s dog lovers, NGOs, volunteers, pet breeders, pet shopkeepers, dog trainers, dog hostels and creches, dog groomers will also have to register their dogs with the Municipal Corporation. Registered dogs that are found roaming the streets without a leash are subject to confiscation. 

According to the bylaws, dogs will be prohibited from being taken to Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Shantikunj, Rock Garden, Laser Valley, Mini Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Terrace Garden, Shivalik Garden and other designated spaces. Additionally, dog owners taking their pets for a walk in the park must carry poop bags to dispose of their pet’s waste. 

As per the new bylaws, violating the bylaws can be punished by the registration authority with a fine ranging from INR 200 to INR 10,000. Currently, the maximum fine goes up to INR 500. Fines for recurring offenses will be added up, and an additional fine of INR 200 per day will be added for a maximum of 10 days. The current fine for the same is INR 20 per day for up to ten days. 

If the violation continues beyond 10 days, the registration will be cancelled by the registration authority and the seized dog(s) shall be put up for sale or adoption through volunteers or NGOs.