Chennai Imposes Fines on Pet Dog Owners for Violating Licensing Rules

Authorities in Chennai have imposed ₹4.10 lakh in fines on 82 pet dog owners for failing to microchip their animals, according to officials from the veterinary department.

The Greater Chennai Corporation had earlier made it mandatory for pet owners to obtain licenses for their dogs and comply with pet ownership regulations, warning that violations would attract penalties.

Officials said that 78,961 pet dogs within the city have been licensed and fitted with microchips. A microchipping programme has also been implemented for privately owned pets, while efforts are underway to vaccinate stray dogs against rabies and monitor them through microchips.

In addition to the ₹4.10 lakh collected from owners of dogs without microchips, authorities have recovered ₹7.22 lakh in fines from owners who failed to obtain licenses for their pets.

Meanwhile, 753 pet owners were fined a total of ₹3.75 lakh for taking their dogs out for walks without using collars.

Officials have warned that the deadline for obtaining licenses and fitting microchips ends in June, after which enforcement of pet ownership regulations will be intensified and stricter action will be taken against violators.