Ahmedabad To Enforce Stricter Laws For Pet Dogs After Rottweiler Attack Kills Infant
Ahmedabad: The tragic death of a four-month-old child in Ahmedabad’s Hathijan area following a brutal attack by a pet Rottweiler has reignited the debate over pet ownership and safety regulations in urban areas. The incident has prompted urgent discussions in the Gujarat state cabinet and triggered a fast-tracked push for stricter policies concerning pet dogs.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had initiated a mandatory registration drive for pet dogs beginning January 1, 2025, but uptake has been dismally low. Out of an estimated 50,000 pet dogs in the city, only 5,520 had been registered as of May 13. This widespread non-compliance has raised concerns about pet management and accountability.
Citizens have until May 31, 2025, to register their pet dogs through AMC’s online portal. Those who fail to do so will face penalty notices and increased fines. Officials from the CNCD (Communicable Diseases Control) Department have confirmed that enhanced enforcement will follow the deadline.
In response to the Hathijan incident, the AMC is now preparing a comprehensive pet dog policy, modeled after cattle control laws. As part of the upcoming reforms, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is considering several stringent measures to regulate pet ownership more effectively in the city. These include mandatory licensing for all pet dogs, in addition to registration. Authorities also plan to restrict access for pet dogs to public places such as Kankaria Lakefront, Sabarmati Riverfront, and city gardens.
The policy will define clear responsibilities for pet owners, especially those residing in housing societies and apartment complexes. It will also include the establishment of dedicated dog cremation facilities to manage pet remains respectfully. Furthermore, the policy may introduce legal provisions for penalties and imprisonment in cases of guideline violations. Additionally, it will be mandatory for dogs to be muzzled in public, ensuring greater safety in shared spaces.
State spokesperson and minister Rishikesh Patel stated that the cabinet has agreed to formulate clear rules governing pet ownership. Currently, while there are guidelines in place, there is no legal framework for enforcement or punishment, which often leads to confusion between police and municipal responsibilities.
AMC’s push for registration aligns with national health initiatives like the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules – 2023, and the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination from India by 2030 (NAPRE). The move is part of Ahmedabad’s broader goal of becoming a rabies-free city.
As authorities scramble to strengthen pet control policies, the tragic Hathijan case stands as a sobering reminder of the consequences of regulatory gaps. The coming weeks are likely to bring decisive changes in how pet ownership is governed in Ahmedabad.