Pet Owners Who Don’t Have a License for Their Pets Could Be Fined

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) will start issuing fines to pet owners who haven't renewed or obtained their pet licenses, even after several reminders.

The exact date for starting the fines is yet to be determined, but the animal welfare department recommended this measure to the LMC commissioner because fewer pet licenses have been issued this year.

Last year, 8,200 pet licenses were issued, but only 2,246 have been given out in the last four and a half months. Dr. Abhinav Verma, an animal welfare officer, estimates there are more than 10,000 pet dogs in Lucknow.

“Therefore, we are considering imposing fines for delays in obtaining licenses,” he said.

He also explained that licenses are issued only after verifying that the dog has had its rabies vaccination and receiving a form that confirms the owner is following the LMC’s 2003 dog control rules.

Currently, the corporation allows up to two dogs per 200 square meters of property. The license fee is Rs 1,000 for foreign breeds and their mixes, and Rs 200 for local breeds.

Pet licenses can be obtained from the Animal Welfare Officer's office at the Lalbagh municipal headquarters on any weekday. For assistance, call Jayant Singh at 9511156792 or Afsar Ali at 9721095021.

On Saturday, Dr. Verma led a license check in Zone 8, Ashiana Chauraha, LDA Colony, and nearby areas. A dog-catching team also joined the enforcement squad.

During the drive, Rs 20,000 in fines was collected from individuals without licenses. One dog was seized but returned after the fine was paid. Five dog licenses were issued on the spot. Some people tried to flee with their dogs as the checks progressed, while others had valid licenses and vaccination cards