Delhi MC Plans New Registration Policy for Pet Dogs

Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is planning a new registration policy for pet dogs, with an annual registration charge of INR 500 to be levied. At the moment, the number of pet dogs registered stands at 3,000, which is less than the number of dogs in the city. The veterinary department of the MCD plans to make the service charges uniform, thereby making the registration policies and the amounts uniform across three municipalities in Delhi.

 According to Section 399 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation act, pet dog registration is mandatory and owners must get it done as soon as possible. Currently, the registration fee is INR 500 for South and East Delhi, while North Delhi has a fee of INR 50. “The pet dog registration was being done online in all three corporations through different portals but there was disparity in the fee structures as separate policies were framed by different corporations. In view of unification, now a new uniform policy on pet dog registration is being brought with uniform fee of ?500,” an official said. 

The department has drafted a preamble, which is pending approval from the deliberative wing. The MCD has also proposed the immediate generation of a registration certificate, stating “If all the documents are in place and basic details are provided, the certificates will be generated immediately.” 

As of now, a paltry 3,000 dogs have been registered with the MCD, indicating low participation by the dog owners of Delhi. The pet registration certificate is valid for 1 year or until the validity of rabies vaccination of the dog, whichever comes first. “Registration of one’s pet canine is mandatory under Section 399 of DMC Act and violators can be challaned and prosecuted under the IPC Section 289 (negligence with respect to animals),” an official said.

Another veterinary official cited the importance of registration, as it helps the MCD keep an eye on the vaccination status of dogs throughout the city. “In case a dog is lost, it can be traced back using the dog collar and token and the document also serves as proof of ownership,” the official added.