The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in pet dog registrations this year, marking a significant shift in civic compliance and pet ownership norms in the city. The civic body has successfully registered 2,292 pet dogs so far, generating a substantial revenue of Rs 5.1 lakh. Officials attribute this dramatic increase directly to the implementation of a new pet animal policy introduced in August.
Policy Change Fuels Registration Boom
The data reveals a compelling story of policy impact. Since the new rules came into effect in August, the DMC has issued a staggering 1,123 new pet licenses. This figure stands in stark contrast to the mere 149 licenses issued during the same period last year, highlighting a nearly eight-fold increase. Senior veterinary officer Dr. Varun Agarwal confirmed that registrations have increased significantly, with the corporation receiving around eight new applications every single day. He noted that approximately 98% of these are fresh, first-time registrations.
The success of the initiative was further demonstrated at a recent registration camp organized by the DMC, which saw 51 registrations completed in just one day, collecting Rs 2.5 lakh in revenue. Encouraged by the response, the corporation has announced plans to hold another such camp in December to facilitate more pet owners.
New By-Laws and Infrastructure Challenges
Alongside the registration drive, the DMC is moving to regulate other aspects of pet ownership and trade. The corporation has nearly finalised by-laws for pet dog breeders and pet shops. These regulations, formulated amid complaints of illegal breeding and unauthorised establishments, will soon be sent to the government and the Animal Welfare Board for formal approval.
However, even as the DMC pushes for mandatory registration and stricter enforcement, including action against unauthorised feeding of strays, pet owners have pointed out critical gaps in basic infrastructure. Manisha Dhawan, a resident and dog owner, highlighted longstanding issues. "There has been talk of an animal crematorium for years, but nothing is on the ground," she said. "There are no designated feeding points despite Supreme Court orders, and city parks are largely not pet-friendly."
Officials Address Complaints, Plan Future Steps
Responding to these concerns, officials stated that progress is being made. Dr. Agarwal informed that a tender for the animal crematorium has already been issued, and the facility is expected to become operational by early next year. Regarding feeding points for stray animals, the locations are being finalised, and a concrete list is anticipated within a week. He also invited inputs from residents, suggesting they propose specific locations through their local councillors.
Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal has directed officials to expedite the registration process and ensure the strict implementation of the new pet policy while simultaneously addressing public complaints. This dual focus on enforcement and infrastructure development aims to create a more structured and humane environment for both pet and stray animals in Dehradun.
