New rules for keeping pet dogs will come into force in Dehradun from March 14. Under the new by-laws issued by the Municipal Corporation Dehradun, pet owners who fail to follow the regulations may face heavy fines and even legal action.
The civic body has issued the “Pet and Stray Dog By-Laws 2025”, which have now been officially notified through a gazette publication. The rules have been introduced to control the rising number of dogs in the city and address incidents of attacks involving pet dogs.
Officials said the by-laws were prepared after a long consultation process. The veterinary section of the municipal corporation had earlier invited public objections and suggestions, which were reviewed before finalising the policy.
The by-laws were sent for gazette publication on January 22 and the official notification was received by the municipal corporation on February 13. The rules will now be fully implemented across the municipal corporation area starting March 14.
Under the new provisions, pet owners must register their dogs with the municipal corporation. Failure to immediately register or sterilise foreign breeds such as Pitbull, Rottweiler and American Bulldog will attract a fine of ₹20,000. Owners of other pet dogs who fail to register them will face a penalty of ₹5,000.
The rules also apply to businesses related to pets. Boarding kennels and private dog shelters must obtain registration within one month, failing which a penalty of ₹500 per month will be imposed. Pet shops must obtain a licence within one month or face a fine of ₹300 per month. Similarly, breeding farms must register within a month or pay a penalty of ₹200 per month.
If a breeding farm fails to obtain a registration certificate from the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board within six months of municipal registration, further action may be taken.
The by-laws also impose strict penalties for abandoning a pet dog. If a person leaves their pet dog as a stray, a fine of ₹20,000 will be imposed. Authorities said such cases could also lead to the registration of an FIR against the owner.
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Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal said the new by-laws will now be enforced strictly and action will be taken against those who violate the rules related to pet dog ownership in the city.
