Tamil Nadu News: There has been a lot of change in people’s lifestyle with time. Earlier only dogs and cats were kept as pets in homes, but now this scope has increased considerably. Today people have also started rearing different animals like rats, flying squirrels, chameleons, snakes, frogs etc. Along with this, dogs of many breeds are also being kept in homes.
However, some dog breeds are quite aggressive, which can pose a threat to the safety of children and the elderly. On the other hand, the number of stray dogs in the streets is also continuously increasing, due to which the problems of the common people have increased.
Status of pet and stray dogs in Chennai
Due to the increasing number of pet and stray dogs in Chennai, school going children and morning and evening walkers are facing problems every day. In view of this, the demand for controlling dogs intensified. After this, Chennai Municipal Corporation started the process of granting licenses for pet dogs.
So far, 57,602 pet dogs have been licensed through special camps. According to the 2024 census, there are about 1.80 lakh stray dogs in the Chennai Municipal Corporation area. To keep an eye on them, the work of microchipping and rabies vaccination is also going on since June.
License and vaccination mandatory
The Municipal Corporation has given clear instructions to the owners of pet dogs that they must get their dogs licensed, rabies vaccinated and also microchipped. Strict action will be taken if these rules are not followed.
A resolution was also passed in the Municipal Corporation Council meeting that a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed on unlicensed pet dogs. For this, special camps were also organized in several phases. The deadline for licensing pet dogs was extended four times, but now this deadline has expired.
Door to door investigation starts from today
According to the data recorded on the website of the Municipal Corporation’s Veterinary Department, 98,023 pet dogs are still unlicensed. Now to take action against them, the Municipal Corporation has decided to start zone-wise door-to-door investigation from today.
A special team has been formed in every zone, which includes three members including a veterinary doctor. This team will identify unlicensed pet dogs and impose fines on those breaking the rules. The Municipal Corporation says that this step is necessary for the safety of the people and to maintain order in the city.