Limit on pets, feeding zones, and open defecation: Chandigarh notifies new dog bylaws

Under the new norms, the number of dogs allowed depends on the size of the house.
• Houses up to 5 marla: 1 dog per house (maximum of 3 in case of separate households on independent floors).
• 5 to 12 marla: 2 dogs per house.
• 12 marla to 1 kanal: 3 dogs, including at least one adopted mongrel or Indie dog.
• Above 1 kanal: 4 dogs, of which two must be adopted mongrels, with a maximum of six dogs per house in case of separate households.

Families exceeding the prescribed limit will face penalties, and unregistered dogs may be impounded.

Areas off-limits for dogs

Owners have been prohibited from taking their pets to Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Bougainvillea Garden, Chandigarh Botanical Garden (Sarangpur), and other areas notified by the Municipal Corporation from time to time.

The bylaws also mandate that dogs must be kept under control at all times to ensure they do not “intimidate, annoy, hurt or bite” anyone.

Designated feeding spots

Feeding of community dogs will now be allowed only at designated spots identified by the Municipal Corporation in consultation with local stakeholders.

The feeding areas must be:
• Away from children’s play zones, stairways, and entry or exit points.
• Located in low-traffic zones and areas least used by children and the elderly.

Feeding dogs outside these approved areas — or throwing food in public spaces that attracts dogs and causes nuisance or danger — will be treated as an offence punishable under applicable laws.

Prohibition on open defecation

Owners must ensure that their pets do not defecate in public places such as parks, streets, or green belts. If a dog defecates in a public area, the owner or walker must clean up using a “poop bag” and dispose of the waste properly. Failure to do so will attract a penalty.

Breeds banned

The civic body has banned the following breeds: American Bulldog, American Pitbull/Pitbull Terrier, Bull Terrier/Pakistani Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, and any crossbreed of these.

Penalties

Violations will attract fines ranging from ₹20 to ₹13,400. Repeated or continuing violations will invite additional daily penalties of ₹20.
If a dog is seized or detained, the owner will be required to pay ₹250 per day as maintenance charges to reclaim it.