Dehradun: Pet dog registrations in Dehradun have nearly tripled this year following strict enforcement of the dog licensing by-laws, while complaints related to dogs have declined significantly. As per data from the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (DMC), a total of 1,192 dogs were registered between April 1 and June 12 this year, compared to 433 registrations during the same period last year. During the same period, the average number of complaints received by the civic body dropped from around three per day to one complaint every three days. The increase follows DMC's decision to strictly enforce dog licensing by-laws from March 14, making it mandatory for residents within municipal limits to obtain licences for pet dogs.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
The rules prescribe penalties for keeping unregistered dogs, require anti-rabies vaccination certificates, and provide for action in dog bite cases. The rules also prescribe fines for feeding stray dogs outside designated feeding spots, abandoning pets or adopted dogs. Adherence to public safety norms are also mandated. Dr Varun Agarwal, senior veterinary officer associated with DMC, attributed the rise in registrations to increased awareness and stricter implementation of the rules. These registrations have increased due to greater awareness and behavioural changes brought about by action taken on complaints, he said.
Significant Increase in Compliance
Agarwal said the figures reflected a substantial improvement in compliance among pet owners. Registrations are valid for one year. Therefore, even if all 433 dogs registered during the same period last year renewed their licences this year, there would still be several hundred new registrations. Moreover, the 433 registrations recorded last year also included renewals from previous years, making this year's increase significant, he said. Officials said the enforcement of the by-laws and the imposition of penalties have prompted residents to act responsibly, particularly regarding stray dog feeding and pet ownership.
Case Study: Vani Vihar
Agarwal cited an incident from Vani Vihar raised during a public grievance hearing. There was a case from Vani Vihar that came up during the district magistrate's grievance redressal meeting. Some dog lovers used to feed strays on the roads. Following our intervention, they were asked to keep these animals within their premises and feed them only at designated feeding spots, rather than anywhere in the colony. Over time, such dogs effectively become adopted strays, he said. DMC has maintained that the objective of the by-laws is to enhance public safety, promote responsible pet ownership and ensure the welfare of both pet and stray dogs through regulated management and monitoring.
