Chandigarh:
To keep a check on canine population in the city, the authorities have made it mandatory for owners to keep only two dogs as pets and ensure their registration.
The breeding of dogs for commercial purposes and their trading within the municipal limits have also been banned.
The move comes following a public demand with the rising number of dog bite cases.
The Union Territory administration has issued 'The Chandigarh Registration of Pet Dogs Bye-laws, 2010' after taking into account the suggestions and objections received from the public, an official spokesman said on Monday.
"A family may keep a maximum of two dogs," he said.
All the dogs which have crossed the age of four months have to be registered with the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.
This will be done on a form which has to submitted along with a fee of Rs 200 per dog, two recent photographs of the pet and a copy of vaccination certificate from the government veterinary practitioner, the spokesman said.
On registration, a metal token will be issued which has to be attached to the collar worn by the dog. The registration will be valid throughout the life span of the dog, he added.
The breeding of dogs for commercial purposes and trading of dogs within the area of Municipal Corporation shall not be permitted, the spokesman said.
The pet's owner will be fined if he/she violates any of the bye-laws, he said.