To simplify the process of registration of dogs, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Tuesday cleared a proposal to register pet dogs online. Dog owners in south Delhi can now register their pet dogs online after which the corporation will provide a ‘unique registration number’ for them.
However, the SDMC will require proof of residence, a certificate of vaccination against rabies and a “photograph of the dog along with the owner” before it processes the owner’s application. The Delhi Municipal Act, 1957, makes it mandatory for every pet owner in the city to register their pets with the civic body.
While registration of pets was earlier done at a nominal fee of Rs 50, the revised fee is Rs 500 per dog, including a “dog tax” of Rs 5. After submission of documents, the zonal deputy director of veterinary services will issue a “dog token” to the owner. The dog token will be valid for a a year and will have to be either attached to the dog’s collar or be carried by the owner “at all times”.
The SDMC will also provide a ‘unique registration number’ to the dog owner along with a Pet Dog Registration Certificate. Owners will also be required to keep the corporation informed of address changes and update records under the corporation every year.
The corporation has also taken it upon itself to define terms and conditions for owning a dog under its jurisdiction. This includes directions to “not let the dog loose in a public street or public place and always have the dog secured with a leash.”
The policy also stated that the owner shall be responsible for all actions of the dog, including “causing nuisance or harm to any person”. Fresh registration will be required in case of change of ownership of the dogs.
SDMC officials said that apart from trying to sterilise and vaccinate, the corporation has also decided to “properly regulate” pet dogs in its jurisdiction. Cases of dog bites have also increased in recent years.
To tackle this, councillors had suggested incentivising stray dog adoption, seeking expert help and involving more NGOs, and keeping a check on dog breeders in the city.
Source: financialexpress.com
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