LMC Collects INR 41k in Fines During Pet-License Checks

Lucknow: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) collected INR 41,200 during a pet licence-checking campaign on Saturday.

The animal welfare department launched the drive at 6:30 a.m. in Zone 4. The drive involved the enforcement team and the dog-catching squad captained by several officials. Areas near Lohia Park and localities such as Vineet Khand, Virat Khand, Vishal Khand, and Vijayant Khand were covered. 

Fines totalling INR 35,000 were issued to seven pet parents found walking their dogs without the appropriate licenses. Pet licenses worth INR 6,200 were also issued on-the-spot. A pug and a labrador were seized from non-complying owners but were returned once the owner was penalized.
 
The LMC warns that failure to provide a valid pet dog license can lead to a fine of up to INR 5,000 per dog. The LMC is authorized to confiscate unlicensed pet dogs in the city. As of today, there are over 10,000 pet dogs in the city. However, only 3,70 licenses were issued in the fiscal year, marking a decline from 5,600 licenses in 2023-24 and 8,200 in 2022-23.

The campaign received mixed reactions from the public. Some pet owners were seen departing the area, while others locked themselves indoors with their pets. There was some resistance from people who tries to argue or “influence” the authorities. 

According to the LMC’s rules, residents are allowed to keep a maximum of two dogs per 200 square meters of property. The licence fee is INR 1,000 for foreign breeds and INR 200 for Indian breeds, in a financial year. Pet parents can apply for licenses online on the LMC’s website or visit the animal welfare office at the Lalbagh Headquarters.

The LMC urged pet owners to comply with licensing regulations to avoid penalties and encourage responsible pet ownership.