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Chennai: In the wake of a tragic incident where a man was mauled to death by a banned breed of dog, the Greater Chennai Corporation has issued a stringent warning to pet owners across the city, threatening strict legal action against those who flout rules concerning the upkeep and control of their animals. The advisory underscores the mandatory use of muzzles, leashes, and valid licenses for all dogs in public spaces.

The urgent directive comes after a devastating attack in Kumaran Nagar, where a resident, Karunakaran, succumbed to fatal injuries after being bitten on the thigh and hip by a pitbull. Reports indicate that he died without receiving immediate medical treatment. In a desperate attempt to stop the attack, the dog’s owner, Poongodi, was also bitten and had to be hospitalized for her injuries. This incident has highlighted the severe risks associated with certain aggressive dog breeds, specifically the pitbull, which was officially banned by the central government last year. The nationwide ban prohibits the raising, importing, breeding, and selling of such dogs as pets due to their perceived inherent aggression and potential danger to humans.

Mandatory Regulations for Public Safety

In response to growing public concern and numerous complaints about pet dogs attacking citizens, the Corporation’s press release outlined a comprehensive set of rules that must be followed. It is now mandatory for all pet dogs to be licensed with the Greater Chennai Corporation and to be vaccinated against rabies. Furthermore, when taken to any public place, including streets, parks, and the common areas of apartment buildings, dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times for the safety of others. Owners are also advised to take only one dog out at a time.

The Corporation emphasized that the behaviour of animals can be unpredictable and varies based on the person and environment. Therefore, it is the fundamental responsibility of the owner to be aware of this and to raise their pets responsibly to ensure they do not disturb, frighten, or cause discomfort to other citizens. Dogs with a known aggressive nature that instill fear in the public are expressly forbidden from being kept in a manner that threatens others.

Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Violations

The advisory concludes with a stern warning of a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence. Owners who fail to obtain a license or who keep dangerous and aggressive dogs will face severe consequences. If such pets are released or taken into public spaces in a manner that threatens people, the owners will be subject to action as per the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India. Most significantly, the Corporation has stated that appropriate criminal legal action will be taken against the owners of any dog that poses a verifiable physical or mental threat to the public, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of pet ownership laws in the city.