Ahmedabad: Pet Dog Registration Drive Extended Till June 30, Fee Increased To Rs 500

AMC had started a pet-dog registration drive in the city earlier this year, which took place from January 1 to May 31. In a recent update, the registration drive has been extended for one month, till June 30, 2025. In addition, the registration fee is now raised to Rs 500; earlier the fee was Rs 200.

From January 1 to May 31, around 15,504 dogs have been registered by 13,677 pet owners. Dog registrations have been highest in the western region, including areas like New Ranip, Balolnagar, Judges Bungalow, Gulab Tower, Chandlodia, Sattadhar, Thaltej, Bopal, Vasna, Naranpura, Navrangpura, Sabarmati, Chandkheda, and Motera. Highest registration of German Shepherd, Labrador, Siberian, and Doberman has been done. It is estimated that still, more than 35,000 pet dogs in the city have not been registered yet.

Sources from the CNCD Department of the AMC state that strict action will be taken against those pet dog owners who have not registered their pet dogs under the policy. They will be issued with a notice initially, and then still if the registration is not done, then action will be taken as per the rules mentioned in the policy. The policy also mentions cutting the owner’s tap and gutter-drain connections, and even confiscation of the pet, if the pet is not registered.

Speaking on the issue, head of the CNCD Department Naresh Rajput shared that earlier, counting of pet dogs was not done. The registration drive for pet dogs, which was conducted from January 1 to May 31, has now been extended till June 30, 2025. He added that just like the creation of cattle policy for the registration of animals, licensing procedures and registrations will also be conducted for pet dogs.

He further said that in the coming days, the AMC will establish a dog crematorium for the last rites (antim sanskar) of dogs. Rules will also be made involving prohibition of walking with dogs at certain places. As of now, these policies are being considered for implementation after discussions on the matter.

Considerations and discussions on the registration of pet dogs gained momentum after the tragic incident that took place at Hathijan, wherein a 4-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pet Rottweiler dog. The incident sparked concerns about the safety of citizens, especially children, from dogs.

Earlier, cases of stray dog attacks were common; lately, attacks involving pet dogs are also rising in the city. It is important that the administration enforce necessary rules and guidelines for the same. It is noteworthy that the government has provided guidelines for pet owners, but there is no mention of fines or punishments for any violations of the rules.