In an upcoming House meeting on October 17, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) will discuss amending existing dog bylaws, which includes a proposed ban on six 'ferocious' dog breeds. If approved, pet owners will no longer be allowed to keep these breeds, and violations will result in legal action and immediate seizure of the pets.
The six dog breeds being considered for the ban are American Bull Dog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. This action aims to enhance public safety. However, dogs registered with the MC before the new bylaws come into effect will be exempted from the ban. Owners of these dogs will need to ensure that their pets are muzzled and leashed during walks to prevent accidents. Owners are also encouraged to have their dogs trained by MC-registered trainers.
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To prevent conflicts between dog owners and other residents, the MC is introducing several other amendments. Volunteers, NGOs, dog lovers, groomers, pet breeders, shopkeepers, dog trainers, and owners of dog hostels and creches will be required to register with the MC. Additionally, pet dog owners will need to obtain a pet vaccination certificate from a government or private veterinary doctor to register their pets.
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The MC has also asked residents' welfare associations to designate areas for feeding community dogs in their neighborhoods. Furthermore, dog owners are prohibited from allowing their pets to defecate in public places.
These changes are a proactive step by the Chandigarh MC to address concerns related to certain dog breeds and to promote responsible pet ownership in the city.