HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) will act sternly and slap fines up to the tune of Rs 50, 000 against all dog lovers who have not registered their pets.
In the initial phase, mandatory registration applies only to dogs while other pets stand exempted.
Officials informed that pet owners will soon face the heat if they carry unregistered pets out in the open. Civic authorities claimed that considering the threat perception to public safety if one carries unregistered pets in parks, on the streets and other open places, they are levying hefty fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the violation, apart from taking possession of the animals. The owners can get back their pets only after the penalty is paid. This move will make dog owners more accountable and responsible, say officials.
As per official data, there are around 50,000 pet dogs in the city, only 465 of them are registered. Registration of pets not only ensures safety but it also regulates how it interacts with the society and vice-versa, they maintained.
As per norms, it is mandatory for dog owners to obtain a license and must produce proof that the animal has been given anti-rabies vaccination and renew it every year.
The official said that they have seen several cases where the owners just abandon their pets by the roadside when they develop diseases or other health problems. He said that the pets have to be vaccinated and neutered and microchips should be installed before getting the license. With the microchip, the GHMC will keep a check on the number of pets in the city and track the owners, who have abandoned them.
“The owners have to be responsible towards their pets. Our veterinary wing will make random inspections. If any owner is found guilty, the pets will be seized and they would be freed on payment of the fine amount,” he added.
The official said after holding a license, no apartment or association can object over having pets and there will be a license fee remission for Indie dogs to promote their adoption.
Unlike the manual registration, pet owners can logon to www.ghmc.gov.in and click on the ‘Our services’ section, choose the option to fill an application for a license and enter the details. Subsequently, they have to pay Rs 50 for getting the license.
A unique identification will be provided to the dog after registration
and pet owners should submit their dog’s recent vaccination certificate, any proof of residence and a no-objection certificate from their neighbours.
The application will be automatically forwarded to the veterinary assistant director or deputy director. On verification by the office, a license will be issued.
