Chennai: Microchipping is emerging as a key safeguard against pet abandonment in the city. Recently, civic authorities were able to trace a man who abandoned a labrador in Purasawalkam and are initiating action against him.
According to officials, the dog was abandoned on Nammazhvar Street in Purasawalkam. It was rescued and brought to Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) in Besant Nagar.
Shravan Krishnan of BMAD said the abandoned dog, which was infected with mange and maggots, is recouping now. The issue was brought to the notice of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) authorities. The veterinary department of the civic body helped identify the owner through the microchip embedded on the pet’s body, Shravan said.
“Of late, many owners have been abandoning pets on roads without CCTVs. Pedigree breeds which include labradors, German shepherds, doberman, and great danes are being left by the roadside,” he said.
GCC veterinary officer Kamal Hussain said, “We plan to impose a penalty of ₹50,000 on the owner for abandoning the pet. Many owners are unaware of this clause,” he said.
Microchipping not only helps reunite animals with negligent or uninformed owners but also helps reduce abandonment. It also supports the enforcement of animal welfare laws, say pet lovers. To date, about 79,000 pets have been microchipped, a step shelters hope will reduce incidents of desertion — by increasing accountability and making it harder for owners to evade responsibility, pet lovers added.
