Mangaluru City Corporation Issues Guidelines for Pet Dog Owners; Compliance Mandatory
Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has directed all pet dog owners within its jurisdiction to strictly comply with regulations governing the care, vaccination, breeding, and management of pet dogs.
The directive refers to orders issued by the Supreme Court, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.
Mandatory Vaccination
All pet dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and receive other vaccinations as recommended by a veterinarian. Annual booster doses must be administered. Owners must produce valid vaccination certificates for inspection by municipal officials.
Care, Safety and Cleanliness
Owners are responsible for providing their dogs with nutritious food, clean drinking water, safe shelter and appropriate veterinary treatment.
Pet dogs must not be allowed to roam freely in public places. They must be kept on a leash when taken outdoors. If a pet defecates in a public place, its owner must immediately clean up the area. Failure to do so may attract an on-the-spot fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 under the corporation’s solid waste management by-laws.
Mandatory Sterilisation
All pet dogs, both male and female, must undergo sterilisation by an authorised veterinarian unless they are used for breeding by a legally registered dog breeder.
Mandatory Registration of Breeders
Individuals or organisations involved in dog breeding or the sale of puppies must obtain a registration certificate from the Karnataka State Animal Welfare Board in accordance with the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules. The corporation will not issue a trade licence without the required registration.
Unsold puppies must be rehabilitated through recognised animal welfare organisations.
Abandoning Animals Is a Punishable Offence
Abandoning pet dogs or puppies on roads, vacant plots, garbage dumps or other public places constitutes an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
If such neglect results in the death or disability of an animal, the law provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both, under the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Strict legal action will also be taken if negligent handling of a dog endangers human life.
The corporation has warned that violations of the above regulations, including abandoning animals in public places, may attract fines of up to Rs 50,000 under applicable laws. The cost of feeding and caring for abandoned animals will be recovered from their owners in accordance with the law. A First Information Report (FIR) will also be registered at the jurisdictional police station, supported by appropriate evidence.
Members of the public who witness pet dogs or puppies being abandoned in public places can report the incident to the corporation’s helpline at 9449007722, providing photographic or video evidence. The state public grievance helpline 1902 may also be used to lodge complaints.
The MCC Commissioner issued the statement urging pet owners to comply with the regulations and members of the public to report violations.