The Great Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner Dr J.Radhakrishnan, IAS, has issued an ultimatum to pet owners, following the gruesome attack on a child and its mother, in a park on May 5.
The GCC has stated that if any pet dog is found to misbehave or found to be a threat to the public, action will be taken against the caregiver, apart from action on the pet per the norms set by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
This announcement has come at the heels of the shocking incident that occurred at a park in Nungambakkam, where a child was bit and mauled by two Rottweiler breed dogs owned by a person in the neighbourhood. When the mother tried to save the child, she was attacked too. Onlookers had to forcibly rescue the mother and daughter from the clutches of the dogs. They were carried by ambulance to the government hospital where they were treated with an Immunoglobulin vaccine. The Commissioner visited them and offered all help. He also assured that the Corporation would pay for their treatment.
Meanwhile, the dog was transported to a relative’s place by the pet owner. GCC found that the owner had not procured the mandatory licence for owning the dog, thus the owner was remanded on May 6, under Sec.44 of the 1939 Act for Public Health. The dog is currently being monitored through photos sent by the caretaker.
This incident triggered the Corporation to tighten its reins on pet owners. They now have to mandatorily follow:
- Only one dog should be taken at a time for a walk in public spaces;
- If the dog is of an aggressive breed, its mouth has to be covered by a muzzle while on the walk;
- The license and vaccination schedule record must be maintained by the owner;
- The pet has to be put on a leash with a chain;
- Pets are not allowed in the children’s play area in the park.
Pet owners are advised to follow the guidelines issued by AWBI with respect to the treatment of pets and stray dogs, obligations of caregivers and resident welfare organisations. Check out the guidelines of AWBI at https://awbi.gov.in/uploads/circular/163282565895pet_dog_circular_26_2_2015.pdf. Pet owners can obtain the license, by registering their pet with the GCC. Check out the GCC website: https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/online-services/.
