Pet owners in Kerala to be fined for abandoning dogs; Stringent norms to be introduced
Under the proposal, pet owners who abandon their animals will face a fine of Rs 5,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.
Thiruvananthapuram: Pet owners needs to be careful from now in Kerala, as abandoning the domestic animals will cost you dearly. In a major step towards ensuring responsible pet ownership, the local self-government department (LSGD) and the State Animal Welfare Board have initiated amendments to strengthen dog licensing and curb abandoning of pets.
The new decision comes after the recent directives from the Supreme Court to states to implement stricter regulations to manage stray dog populations humanely.
Animal lovers across the state welcomed the new decision by the Local self government.
Anirudha Nair, animal activist from Ernakulam opined that the new move by the local self government is a relief for all animal lovers as there has been increasing instances of pet animals being abandoned in the state, especially in cities like Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Trivandrum.
Under the proposal, pet owners who abandon their animals will face a fine of Rs 5,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. As part of this, a new ‘responsible pet ownership’ clause will be incorporated into the Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act. Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with negligent conduct with respect to animals, will also be adopted. Violations may result in a fine, imprisonment, or both.
State Animal Welfare Board member R Venugopal said the amendments have been drafted and will be implemented soon.
"Abandoning of pet dogs is a major challenge in the state and one of the reasons behind the rising stray dog crisis.
Licensing and anti-rabies vaccination will be mandatory, and all pets will be microchipped. This will help us trace owners of abandoned dogs and take legal action,” Venugopal said.
The state is also planning to make licensing and registration mandatory for pet shops and breeders.
"The Animal Welfare Board has decided to implement the central rules, and they have been officially notified. Application forms for registration and licensing are available on the animal husbandry department’s website,” Venugopal said.
Govt plans for home shelter licensing for rescued dogs
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the government is preparing to introduce home shelter licensing for rescued dogs, part of a broader overhaul of animal welfare and pet ownership systems. The move comes in the wake of insufficient government-run shelters and mounting concerns over stray dog numbers.