Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Moves to Formalize Dog Ownership Rules
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is taking decisive action to regulate dog ownership in the city. What began as draft rules proposed in May last year will now become comprehensive 'Pet Dog and Stray Dog Bylaws'. These new regulations will include specific penalties for various offences related to dog ownership and management.
Tragic Incident Sparks Regulatory Action
The push for these bylaws gained urgency after a heartbreaking incident in Hathijan. A Rottweiler was allegedly responsible for the death of a four-month-old infant. This tragedy prompted municipal authorities to develop sweeping rules aimed at protecting public safety while also safeguarding pet owners from potential disputes and allegations.
An AMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained the reasoning behind the move. "Guidelines specify that pet owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not harm anyone," the official stated. "Pets should not be let loose in a way that risks others, nor should they be taken to crowded places. In the Hathijan case, it was noted the dog was taken into the society premises where children were playing."
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bylaws
The comprehensive bylaws will incorporate several important regulations:
- Mandatory leashing and muzzling of pet dogs in public areas
- Compulsory registration of all pet dogs with the municipal corporation
- Prohibition on feeding stray dogs in public places
- Penalties for pet owners whose animals soil public areas
- Protocols for placing aggressive pets and stray dogs in designated pounds
The official further clarified the legal process. "To prevent such incidents, we began a policy process, but since policies have limitations, we are now drafting formal bylaws. These will be sent to the state government for approval. Once approved, the AMC will have the enforcement power to ensure compliance."
Registration Drive Shows Strong Response
Pet registration has been mandatory in Ahmedabad since January 1, 2025, serving as a crucial step toward safety and compliance. "Owners must register their pets and are required to submit photos of the area where the pet is kept," the official noted.
The registration numbers tell a significant story. Between January 1 and December 31, 2025, a total of 16,674 pet owners registered 18,962 dogs with the municipal corporation. The breakdown by zones reveals interesting patterns:
- West Zone recorded the highest registrations at 4,785
- North-West Zone followed with 3,897 registrations
- East Zone registered 2,773 dogs
- South-West Zone documented 2,510 registrations
- South Zone accounted for 2,300 registered pets
- North Zone reported 1,946 registrations
- Central Zone recorded 751 registered dogs
Addressing the Stray Dog Challenge
The bylaws come at a critical time for stray dog management in Ahmedabad. The Supreme Court recently ordered the removal of stray dogs from various public spaces including government office premises, educational institutions, hospitals, and bus stands.
This directive presents a substantial challenge for the city. A 2019 random survey conducted by AMC estimated Ahmedabad's stray dog population at approximately 210,000 animals. To implement the Supreme Court's order effectively, the city will need to establish new pounds, as existing shelters can currently accommodate only around 500 dogs.
The comprehensive approach being taken by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation represents a significant shift in how Indian cities manage pet ownership and stray animal populations. By combining registration requirements with clear behavioral guidelines and enforcement mechanisms, authorities hope to create safer public spaces for all residents while ensuring responsible pet ownership becomes the norm rather than the exception.
