THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Beware! Abandoning pet dogs 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 move follows recent directives from the Supreme Court to states to implement stricter regulations to manage stray dog populations humanely.
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 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.
Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani said the government plans to extend support to private NGOs and animal lovers who take in abandoned and stray dogs. “Setting up new shelters is difficult due to public protests. Before attempting that, we want to ensure that existing shelters receive all necessary support.
District veterinary officers have been instructed to convene meetings with NGOs and animal lovers. Our veterinary hospitals will offer free vaccination and sterilisation for rescued dogs, and the government is also considering providing free rations to feed them,” she said.