PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) has finalised amendments to the Dog Licensing Bylaws 2025, amid rising complaints related to pet and stray dogs, public safety concerns and observations of the Supreme Court.
The senior veterinary officer, Dr Varun Aggarwal said that the revised bylaws had been approved after examining the people’s suggestions and objections received until January 14 and would be published in the Uttarakhand Government Gazette. “The amendments aim to regulate pet ownership, strengthen public safety and ensure animal welfare within the jurisdictional limits of the corporation,” Aggarwal said.
Under the new rules, abandoning a pet or adopted dog has been categorised as a serious offence, attracting a fine of up to Rs 20,000 along with registration of an FIR against the owner.
Moreover, the bylaws prescribe strict action in dog bite cases. Following an on-site preliminary inspection, challan will be mandatorily imposed on the pet owners in cases of minor or serious injuries. Authorities may also register an FIR against the owner and seize the animal if required.
Besides, the pet dogs must be taken to public places and parks only under the supervision of the owner or caretaker and must be on a leash and muzzle. While carrying a muzzle is compulsory, its use will be mandatory whenever required in the public interest. Violations will invite penalties as per the amended bylaws.
He added that the registration has been made mandatory for all pet dogs aged three months or above with licences valid for one year. “If the anti-rabies vaccination expires, the licence will stand automatically cancelled and strict action will be taken against owners keeping unregistered or unvaccinated dogs,” he added.
Special conditions apply to aggressive breeds such as Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino and American Bulldog. These breeds will require an annual licence fee of Rs 2,000, mandatory sterilisation after one year of age and a complete ban on breeding. “Owners of the existing dogs must submit purchase and sterilisation certificates within three months,” he stated.
Residents keeping five or more pet or stray dogs must register as private dog shelters with the MCD and obtain approval from the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board within six months. An annual licence fee of Rs 3,000 has been fixed, along with mandatory renewal and inspections. Pet shops must also be registered with a yearly fee of Rs 2,000 and comply with animal welfare rules.
To promote adoption, registration of adopted stray dogs will be free, along with free ABC surgery and the first vaccination at municipal ABC centres.
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been made responsible for ensuring registration, vaccination and sterilisation of pet dogs in their housing societies and may face action in case of violations.
Feeding stray dogs has been prohibited near schools, religious places, crowded areas, colony entry and exit points and locations frequented by children and senior citizens. Designated feeding spots will be finalised only at mutually agreed locations.
A 24×7 animal helpline will continue to function for complaints related to dog bites or suspected rabies cases, which will be addressed as per the ABC Rules, 2023 and the court directions.
