New pet rules coming soon in Bhubaneswar; BMC plans chip-based registration system

Concerned by recurring dog menaces at various places across the country and in the Capital City of the State, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to come up with a set of rules for people keeping pet dogs at their homes.

It has been decided in a meeting at the BMC office that a comprehensive guideline will be in place on how to keep a dog as a pet in the Capital City. All the pet dogs in Bhubaneswar will be registered under the rules.

Below are a few guidelines for dog owners.

1. Pet dog owners have to register by paying Rs 500 online.

2. Renew it every year before April by paying Rs 250.

3. Chip-tag containing the name of the owner and address should be tied around the dog’s neck.

4. Mandatory rabies vaccine.

5. Owners would be penalized if the dog causes any harm to anyone.

6. There will be restrictions in taking pet dogs to parks, restaurants, gyms, shopping malls, and other public places.

7. Strict action against owners for leaving dog poo in any public place.

8. Special rules will be implemented for business or sports dogs.

9. Owners are to follow BMC guidelines for cremation after the death of dogs.

This apart, the BMC is likely to set up a guideline on the marriages of dogs and the adoption of two dogs by an owner. Moreover, it has also been decided in the meeting that all the stray dogs in Bhubaneswar will be sterilized and their vaccination process will be accelerated.

As per the decision by BMC, at least 100 stray dogs will be sterilized on a daily basis. BMC Mayor Sulochana Das informed that a new veterinary hospital will be set up at Mancheswar to fulfill the purpose. By-law 2023 in this regard will be approved in the Corporation meeting soon.

“The control measures on pet dogs and stray dogs were discussed in the meeting. Violation of the fixed guidelines about keeping dogs and those who evaded fines were also part of the discussion,” said Das.

“We have started a new chip-based registration system in which the number of pet dogs and their owners in Bhubaneswar will be known. The chip will contain all details like the name and address of the owner. As per the new rule, the owners will ensure hygiene and make sure that others are not getting disturbed because of their pet animals,” she added.

Meanwhile, dog owners have expressed discontent over the rules. Bibhas Sengupta, a dog owner said, "At least our dog can poo in the drain or will BMC say no to that also. They are more hygienic than humans. They will never poo inside the house. I have no option, but to take it outside."

Notably, a five-year-old boy lost his life after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Hyderabad recently.