• Source:JND
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The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MCC) has proposed a Rs 10,000 fine under the newly framed Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws, 2025. The civic body has identified around 60 designated feeding points across the city. Once notified by the UT administration, residents feeding stray dogs outside these areas will face penalties. This initiative follows a recent Supreme CourtChandigarh Civic Body Proposes Rs 10,000 Fine For Feeding Stray Dogs directive instructing states and Union territories to coordinate with resident welfare associations and local authorities to designate feeding zones for community dogs.

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As per the new rules, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) are tasked with identifying suitable locations and timings for feeding stray dogs in their areas. This process must be carried out in consultation with local feeders, the area councillor, the MC’s registration authority, and recognized feeders.

Rules And Fine 

1. Designated feeding points must be located away from children’s play areas, stairways, building entry/exit points, and high-traffic zones to ensure public safety.

2. If Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) or Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) fail to submit their lists within the specified timeframe, the feeding spots identified by the MC in consultation with feeders will be considered final and binding.

3. Caregivers and occasional feeders are required to maintain cleanliness at designated feeding sites and avoid littering.

4. Violations, such as throwing food in public areas that attract community dogs and pose risks or nuisance to people, will be treated as offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or any other applicable law.

5. The penalty for such violations is set at Rs 10,000, comprising Rs 500 as a fine and Rs 9,500 as administrative charges under the Solid Waste Management Bylaws, 2018.

6. In addition to fines, legal action may be initiated against habitual violators.

“Most of the RWAs and MWAs have yet to share their identified feeding points, but the process is underway. The objective is to strike a balance between animal welfare and public safety. Once the bylaws are enforced, RWAs and MWAs will be strictly asked to share the list of feeding points and feeding at random spots will not be tolerated,” said an MC official.

Penalty recovery under the new bylaws is structured to ensure compliance.

1. If the fine is not paid within 10 days at the MC’s Medical Officer of Health office, it will be added to the violator’s water bill.

2. If the violator does not have a water connection, the penalty will be added to property tax dues.

3. If neither water bill nor property tax applies, the penalty will be recovered as land revenue under the Punjab Revenue Act, applicable in Chandigarh.

It is pertinent to mention that after the MC General House approved the final draft of the pet bylaws in June this year, the UT administration wrote to MC to include new guidelines or directions as per the recent Supreme Court orders. The final notification will come after MC responds with the revised draft.