Dehradun – The Dehradun Municipal Corporation has prepared the Dog Licence Bye-laws 2025, introducing strict rules for pet owners after repeated attacks by aggressive dog breeds in the city. Under the proposed rules, if a pet dog bites any person, an FIR will be registered against the owner. The dog can also be seized, and a penalty will be imposed.
As per the draft bye-laws, registration of pet dogs has been made mandatory. Aggressive breeds such as Pitbull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino and American Bulldog will attract a higher registration fee of Rs 2,000, while other domestic dogs will be registered for Rs 500 per dog. Registration will be valid for one year. Before registration, vaccination against rabies is compulsory, and sterilisation is mandatory for aggressive breeds.
The draft bye-laws have been published for public objections and suggestions for one month. After this process, the rules will be implemented. The corporation has stated that strict action will be taken if dogs are allowed in public places without a leash or muzzle, if they are made to defecate in open areas, or if repeated complaints are received about nuisance, including excessive barking at night.
If a dog is found barking continuously at night and the owner fails to control it, action will be taken. On the first complaint, a notice will be issued, while repeated complaints will lead to challan and legal action. Pet owners will be required to use a muzzle when taking dogs outside.
The bye-laws also state that keeping five or more dogs will classify the premises as a private dog shelter. Such shelters will require permission from the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board and no-objection certificates from nearby residents. Breeding of foreign aggressive dog breeds has been completely banned within city limits.
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The move follows growing public concern over safety and reflects the municipal body’s attempt to curb negligence by pet owners, though effective enforcement on the ground will remain a key challenge.
