AMC to file complaints against owners of unregistered pet dogs

With complaints related to stray and pet dogs on the rise, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated steps to take action against owners who fail to register their pet dogs, officials said.

The civic body is preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to penalise owners found keeping unregistered pet dogs. The proposed penalties include a fine of ₹20,000 for the first violation and ₹50,000 for a repeat offence. 

The SOP will be placed before the AMC Standing Committee for approval. 

Officials reportedly stated police complaints may also be registered against dog owners who do not comply with the rules, ranging from mandatory registration to other regulatory requirements.

According to official estimates, around 50,000 pet dogs are kept by owners across the city. The municipal corporation made pet dog registration mandatory from January 25 and also raised the registration fee to ₹2,000 per dog. 

So far, more than 19,000 pet dogs have been registered.

During a weekly review meeting chaired by the Municipal Commissioner on Wednesday, instructions were issued to finalise the SOP at the earliest. The Commissioner also reviewed the progress of road works in various parts of the city and directed contractors to expedite projects that are progressing at a slow pace despite work orders having been issued.

Earlier, during a visit to the Acher area following complaints about stray cattle, the Municipal Commissioner had instructed the zonal Deputy Municipal Commissioner to take strict action to ensure that no stray animals were seen in the area within a week, officials added.