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Owners now will be held responsible for their dogs’ poop too

MC approves bylaws, owners to submit a written undertaking committing full compliance

dogs’ poop, dogs’ poop fine, Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, Chandigarh Administration, Indian express news, current affairs

The final draft was shaped through discussions led by the Joint Commissioner-I of the MC, the Medical Officer of Health (also Secretary of SPCA), and other key stakeholders.

In a move aimed at improving pet management and public safety, the General House of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Chandigarh on Tuesday approved the final draft of the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws 2025.

The bylaws, which will now be sent to the Chandigarh Administration for final approval, impose strict responsibilities on pet owners, including liability for dog bites or any damage to persons or property, and restrictions on dog access to large public green spaces.

Under the proposed regulations, dog owners must submit a written undertaking committing to full compliance. They will be prohibited from taking their dogs to several high-footfall areas and iconic locations such as Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shantikunj, Terrace Garden, Mini Rose Garden, and Shivalik Garden. However, pet walking will still be permitted in regular parks, provided owners carry poop bags and clean up.

The draft mandates that all dogs be leashed in public, with ferocious breeds also muzzled. An escort must carry a stick while walking aggressive dogs. Dog owners will be held fully accountable for their pet’s conduct, including instances of aggression, injury, or property damage. In severe cases, authorities may seize the dog and impose financial penalties.

Disposal of deceased pets in public bins or municipal spaces will be strictly forbidden. Instead, owners must cremate pets at designated facilities or ensure respectful private burials.

The bylaws uphold a ban on seven aggressive breeds, as earlier adopted under the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules. The rules ban ownership of seven aggressive dog breeds, including American Bulldog, American Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. Violation of this rule may result in a fine of Rs 10,000.

The draft also prohibits dog breeding or trading for commercial purposes within city limits. Violators could face fines and impoundment of their pets.

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Additionally, defecation by pets in public areas, residential spaces, and common facilities will not be tolerated. Owners must clean up after their dogs or take them to isolated areas for defecation.

The final draft was shaped through discussions led by the Joint Commissioner-I of the MC, the Medical Officer of Health (also Secretary of SPCA), and other key stakeholders.

The bylaws also provide a detailed breakdown of how many dogs can be kept based on plot size:

Up to 5 marla – 1 dog

5 to 12 marla – 2 dogs

12 marla to 1 kanal – 3 dogs (including at least one mongrel/ Indie dog)

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More than 1 kanal – 4 dogs (including at least two mongrel/ Indie dogs)

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu is a Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. He is a veteran reporter with over a decade of experience, specializing in legal, crime, and environmental reporting across the tri-city area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Professional Background Core Beat: He primarily covers the Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Courts, CBI Courts, and Consumer Commissions. His legal reporting is known for breaking down complex judgments and tracking long-standing criminal cases. Environmental Reporting: Jagpreet has become a key voice in reporting on the deteriorating air quality and weather patterns in the Punjab-Haryana region. Crime & Technology: He frequently reports on cybercrime, digital arrest scams, and the intersection of technology and law enforcement, such as the development of citizen-centric policing apps. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His late 2025 coverage has focused on significant judicial verdicts, major financial scams, and public health concerns: 1. Legal & CBI Court Verdicts "12 years on, CBI court acquits Haryana judge, parents in wife’s death case" (Dec 17, 2025): Detailed coverage of the acquittal of a judicial officer in a high-profile dowry death case from 2013. "‘Wicked & evil mind’: Court gives man 30-year term for kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old" (Dec 16, 2025): A report on a stern judgment from a Chandigarh district court in a POCSO case. "Man acquitted in rape case after victim found ‘very happy’ in wedding reception" (Dec 9, 2025): Covering a unique legal observation regarding consensual relationships and age verification. 2. Investigative & Scams "CBI registers FIR in Rs 1.14-cr Patient Welfare Grant scam at PGIMER" (Dec 19, 2025): An exposé on how funds meant for poor patients were siphoned off through forged documents and a photocopy shop inside the PGIMER campus. "Month-long torture, Rs 85 lakh transfers: How ‘Innocence Certificate’ led to a ‘digital arrest’ of an elderly couple" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailing a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting senior citizens in Chandigarh. 3. Environment & Public Safety "Panchkula air turns ‘very poor’, fourth worst in country" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the sudden spike in pollution levels in Panchkula compared to neighbouring cities. "Soon, you can snap that overspeeding car, and report to Chandigarh Police" (Dec 16, 2025): Breaking news on a new mobile application being developed to allow citizens to report traffic violations via geo-tagged photos. 4. Gangster Culture & Crime "City Beautiful in the crosshairs of gangsters" (Dec 14, 2025): A feature analysis of how Chandigarh has increasingly become a staging ground for extortion and rivalries between gangster modules. "Shooters wanted for Parry murder held by Delhi Police Special Cell" (Dec 18, 2025): Following the developments in a high-profile murder case in Chandigarh’s Sector 26. Signature Style Jagpreet is recognized for his tenacious follow-up on cold cases and his ability to report on courtroom drama with a focus on victim rights. His work often highlights administrative lapses, whether in the handling of patient welfare funds or the enforcement of environmental standards. ... Read More

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