Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has directed pet dog owners within its jurisdiction to comply with regulations on vaccination, sterilisation, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, warning of legal action and penalties of up to Rs 50,000 for violations.

The directive, issued by MCC Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey, outlines the responsibilities of pet owners and those engaged in dog breeding and puppy sales. It cites Supreme Court orders, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.

The corporation has emphasised that pet owners must ensure proper care of their animals, prevent them from roaming freely and maintain cleanliness in public spaces. It has also warned against abandoning dogs and puppies in public places.

Rabies vaccination made mandatory

Under the directive, all pet dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and receive other vaccines as prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. Annual booster doses must also be administered to maintain protection.

Pet owners must produce valid vaccination certificates whenever corporation officials seek them during inspections.

The directive also requires owners to provide their dogs with nutritious food, clean drinking water, safe shelter and appropriate veterinary care. Owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are properly cared for and do not create avoidable risks to the public.

Dogs must not be allowed to roam freely in public places. When taken outdoors, they must be kept on a leash, the Commissioner said.

Fines for failing to clean up after pets

The MCC has stressed that pet owners must immediately clean up after their dogs defecate in public places.

Failure to remove pet waste may attract an on-the-spot fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 under the corporation’s solid waste management bylaws.

The requirement is intended to promote cleanliness in public spaces and ensure that pet owners take responsibility for the waste generated by their animals.

The corporation has urged owners to follow these rules while walking their dogs and using public roads, parks and other shared spaces.

Sterilisation compulsory unless breeding is registered

The directive states that both male and female pet dogs must be sterilised by authorised veterinarians unless they are being used for legally registered breeding purposes.

The requirement forms part of the corporation’s effort to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent the uncontrolled breeding and abandonment of dogs.

Individuals and organisations involved in dog breeding or puppy sales must obtain the mandatory registration from the Karnataka State Animal Welfare Board under the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017.

The MCC has made it clear that trade licences will not be issued to breeders who do not possess the required registration.

The Commissioner also stated that unsold puppies must be rehabilitated through recognised animal welfare organisations rather than being abandoned or left without proper care.

Abandoning dogs and puppies is an offence

The corporation has warned pet owners against abandoning dogs or puppies on roads, vacant plots, garbage heaps or other public places.

According to the directive, abandonment constitutes an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and can invite legal action under the applicable provisions.

The Commissioner also cautioned that negligent handling of dogs that endangers human life could lead to legal proceedings. Depending on the applicable legal provisions and circumstances, offenders may face imprisonment, fines or both.

Violations may attract penalties of up to Rs 50,000 under the applicable laws, the directive stated. The corporation has further warned that expenses incurred in feeding and caring for abandoned animals will be recovered from the owners in accordance with the law.

An FIR will be registered at the jurisdictional police station where supported by appropriate evidence, the Commissioner said.

Public urged to report abandonment

The MCC has appealed to members of the public to report incidents involving the abandonment of pet dogs and puppies in public places.

Residents who witness such incidents can contact the corporation’s helpline at 9449007722 and submit photographic or video evidence to support their complaints.

The directive reinforces the responsibilities of pet owners in Mangaluru, covering animal health, proper care, control in public spaces, sanitation and compliance with breeding regulations. The corporation has warned that violations will be dealt with under the relevant laws.