PANCHKULA, Sept 7 — The Municipal Corporation (MC) has stepped up enforcement of mandatory pet dog registration, warning of legal action against owners who fail to comply with the law.
Officials said many residents are keeping pet dogs or adopting strays without registering them, prompting the civic body to issue letters to residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and area councillors. The RWAs have been asked to alert their members to the requirement under Section 311 of the Haryana Municipal Corporation (HMC) Act, 1994, and the Haryana Municipal Corporation (Registration and Proper Control of Dogs) Bye-Laws, 2008.
The directive also reminded owners that they must follow guidelines laid down by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). These include keeping dogs leashed in public, carrying poo bags to ensure cleanliness, and using muzzles when required. “Non-compliance will attract legal action under the provisions of the HMC Act and applicable bylaws,” the letter warned.
On average, Panchkula reports 400 to 450 dog-bite cases every month, underscoring the urgency of regulation, officials said.
To address complaints of glitches in the Saral portal, the online platform for registration, the MC has shifted the process offline. “Registration forms can now be submitted directly at the MC office. The fee has been fixed at ₹500 per dog,” an MC officer said.
Copies of the directive have also been forwarded to councillors for monitoring and strict enforcement.
