Licensing of pet dogs abysmally low in Puducherry

Low pet dog licensing rates in Puducherry prompt calls for increased awareness and enforcement of registration laws.

The licensing of pet dogs has remained abysmally low in Puducherry over the last two years.

Though registration of pet dogs is mandatory under Section 345 of the Puducherry Municipalities Act, 1973, only 192 residents had registered their pet dogs in 2023, while 110 residents completed the registration process as of May this year.

The above numbers, which are in respect of the Puducherry Municipality alone, speak volumes about the adherence to municipal laws by pet owners.

Pet owners are supposed to pay a paltry ₹150 for registration of their pet dogs for the first time and ₹100 for renewal of the tokens every year from the Puducherry Municipality. The registration requires vaccination proof of the pet, along with other basic details. These tokens, which are to be obtained from the Department of Animal Husbandry or the respective municipalities, are supposed to be hung on the canine’s collar.

Official sources said the population of pet dogs in Puducherry has been rising consistently over the years as more number of people have adopted them. The pet dog population in Puducherry was pegged at more than 5,000.

However, a lack of awareness seems to be impacting the licensing of pet dogs and cats.

A senior Municipal official said that, even though most people are aware of the issuance of licences by the local bodies, they are not coming forward for it. Lack of awareness is one of the main reasons behind this, the official added.