Chandigarh residents are still waiting for the city’s new Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2025, to be enforced, more than two months after they were approved by the Municipal Corporation (MC). The rules, first introduced in October 2023, were designed to replace outdated 2010 regulations and give authorities more power to regulate pet ownership, dog registration, and management of community dogs in the city.
The bylaws are aimed at ensuring public safety and cleanliness in parks and other public areas. They make pet owners directly responsible for any injuries caused by dog bites or damage to property. Once implemented, penalties for violating these rules could increase by up to 200 times compared to previous regulations.
According to MC officials, the draft of the bylaws was made public in March 2024, inviting suggestions from residents. After reviewing feedback and making changes, the MC House finally approved the draft in June 2025. However, the UT administration has yet to issue a formal notification, which means the rules cannot be enforced.
Officials warned that delays in implementation are allowing problems to grow. Cases of dog bites have increased as residents continue feeding community dogs in public areas. Additionally, pet owners are not cleaning up after their dogs, creating cleanliness issues in open spaces. Authorities stress that the bylaws need to be notified soon to impose stricter penalties and maintain public order.
The rules seek to regulate the presence of pets in public areas, particularly high-footfall spaces such as Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, and Leisure Valley. Pets will not be allowed in these areas, but neighbourhood parks will remain accessible, subject to strict conditions. Owners must carry poop bags, ensure immediate cleanup, and guide their dogs to isolated spots. Failure to comply may result in fines or other penalties.
The new rules include a complete ban on seven dog breeds considered aggressive: American Bulldog, American Pitbull or Pitbull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Pakistan Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. Existing owners of these breeds will have 45 days to register their dogs after the bylaws are officially notified. Failure to comply could lead to fines or impoundment.
To ensure public safety, all dogs must be leashed in public spaces, and aggressive breeds must be muzzled. Escorts of such dogs are advised to carry a stick, and authorities may seize dogs in cases of severe aggression or property damage. The bylaws also prohibit owners from disposing of deceased pets in garbage bins. Cremation or private burial will now be mandatory. Commercial breeding or trading of dogs within Chandigarh city limits will also be banned.
The rules place limits on the number of dogs allowed per household. Homes smaller than 5 marla can keep only one dog, but multiple families living on separate floors can have up to three dogs. Houses between 5 and 12 marla can keep two dogs, which can be increased to three with multiple families. For homes between 12 marla and 1 kanal, three dogs are allowed, with at least one being an adopted or mongrel dog. Multiple families in these houses can keep up to five dogs. For homes larger than one kanal, four dogs are allowed, with two being adopted, and a maximum of six dogs if multiple families live there. Unregistered or extra dogs will be impounded, and owners will face penalties.
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For community dogs, the bylaws require Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to designate feeding zones. Violating these zones is considered a legal offence. Penalties include fines up to ₹10,000, seizure of unclaimed dogs, and sale of those dogs if not claimed within the prescribed period.
The Chandigarh MC hopes that once the UT administration issues the notification, these rules will significantly improve public safety and hygiene in the city’s parks and public spaces. The bylaws are intended to hold pet owners accountable and ensure that community dogs are managed responsibly.
Despite the approval, residents and officials alike are frustrated by the delay. The enforcement of these bylaws is seen as crucial to prevent dog-related accidents, maintain cleanliness, and ensure that pets and humans can coexist safely in the city’s shared spaces.
Once implemented, the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2025, are expected to make Chandigarh’s public spaces safer, cleaner, and more regulated, giving authorities the legal tools to take action against negligent pet owners and manage community dogs effectively.
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