Is Chennai Launching a Door-to-Door Survey for Pet Dog Microchipping and Licensing?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GCC is conducting a door-to-door survey for pet regulation.
- Microchipping has been made mandatory for pet dogs.
- Fines will apply for noncompliance after a grace period.
- Increased focus on animal welfare and public safety.
- Collaboration with volunteers is essential for successful initiatives.
Chennai, Oct 27 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance pet regulation and reduce infractions, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has initiated a door-to-door survey aimed at locating unlicensed or non-microchipped pet dogs. The civic body, which mandated microchipping earlier this month, intends to levy fines on owners who do not comply after a specified grace period. This initiative comes in response to a disappointing turnout for GCC's revamped online portal for pet registration, which was launched on October 3.
Despite the ease of the digital procedure, only around 120 dog owners have taken the initiative to register and microchip their pets thus far. Alarmed by the low participation rate, the Corporation plans to boost awareness and enforcement through direct verification efforts.
Officials have indicated that a formal resolution to sanction the survey will be tabled in the forthcoming Corporation Council meeting. Upon approval, survey teams will go to households throughout the city to identify unlicensed dogs and verify their vaccination and microchip information.
Pet owners discovered without valid licenses will be required to regularize their pets within a designated time frame before penalties are enforced. This measure is part of a larger strategy to enhance animal welfare and ensure public safety by keeping precise records of the city’s pet population.
The Corporation’s decision arises amidst growing concerns regarding the rising number of abandoned dogs, especially foreign breeds, on Chennai’s streets and beaches.
Financial difficulties and a lack of experience in managing imported breeds are cited as primary causes for the increase in pet abandonment cases over the past year. Animal welfare organizations have called for stronger enforcement while also promoting awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership.
They stress that cooperation between GCC officials and volunteers will be essential during vaccination and sterilization initiatives.
While the microchipping program primarily targets domestic pets, civic officials have affirmed that stray dogs will continue to be managed through existing vaccination and birth control programs rather than through microchipping.
The Corporation is confident that the new enforcement strategy will promote accountability in pet ownership and guarantee that the city’s animal population is effectively monitored and safeguarded.