Abandoning pet in Chennai can cost ₹10,000, ₹5,000 for no licence; vet explains why microchipping is beneficial
Starting from 1 October, pet parents may be fined ₹10,000 if their cat or dog is found abandoned in Chennai. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to track down owners of lost or abandoned pets by scanning their microchips, which is currently mandatory for all pets in the city.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has introduced a new rule imposing a fine of ₹10,000 for abandoning microchipped pets in public places. The regulation took effect on October 1st. Under this enforcement, GCC officials will utilize microchip scans to locate the pet's registered owner. In addition to the fine, unlicensed pet dogs will face a ₹5,000 penalty, and owners allowing their dogs to roam off-leash in public will be fined ₹500.
The city's authority aims to curb abandonment and promote responsible pet ownership. Dr. Rina Dev, an experienced exotic veterinarian, supports the move, emphasizing that microchipped pets enable easier recovery and tracking. Microchipping provides a permanent identification that includes the pet's lineage, birth details, and owner's name.
The procedure is underutilized, often due to a lack of understanding of its benefits in cases of loss or theft. Dr. Dev believes the new rule will help combat illegal breeding and commercial exploitation, and streamline recovery efforts for lost or abandoned dogs.
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