Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will impose a ₹25,000 fine on owners who abandon licensed pet dogs or cats on roads or in public places. The penalty has been made effective from Sept 1. Under Section 292 of the Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998, and the 2023 rules, pet owners within city corporation limits are required to obtain a licence.Pet owners can apply for licences online, with microchipping mandatory for all pets. The microchip records the owner’s name, address and anti-rabies vaccination details, among other information, and is intended to ensure pets receive their annual vaccination.Since the online licensing system was launched in Oct last year, the civic body has issued licences to 78,232 pet owners as of July this year. However, the civic body continues to receive complaints of licensed pets being abandoned.
