Greater Chennai Corporation begins checking pet licences

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Monday launched raids to identify pet owners without a valid licence for their dogs and cats.

According to officials, many residents who had already registered their pets online were penalised on Monday for a delay in getting a pet licence and a microchip before the deadline of December 14. GCC officials said they collected a fine of ₹500 from many residents who failed to get a pet license after registering online. Pet owners without online registration and a valid pet licence will have to pay a fine of ₹5,000 for each of the dogs and cats at home.

According to estimates, around 45,000 out of one lakh pet owners who have registered online with the GCC in the 15 zones have not obtained a pet licence and microchip for the animals.

Federation of the Thoraipakkam Residents’ Welfare Associations president A. Francis said some pet owners were unable to get pet licences and microchips as the process was cumbersome. “I got a pet licence for my dogs last week. Several residents have not been able to get a pet licence and microchip,” he said.

Ward 104 councillor T.V. Shemmozhi said four residents in Anna Nagar were penalised. “The residents paid a fine of ₹500 because they failed to get a pet licence after completing the registration online,” he said.

Residents complained that online glitches were the reason for a delay in getting a pet licences during the camps held across the city. GCC officials said the drive to enforce pet licences, anti-rabies vaccination, and microchipping of dogs and cats would improve the safety of residents, particularly children and senior citizens.