Chennai, 7 August (H.S.): The Tamil Nadu government is rolling out new policies and regulations to safeguard animals. The state has implemented a new framework to regulate dog boarding homes, training academies, and grooming centers, while simultaneously banning the practice of home boarding and breeding.

The new rules, which will be formally notified by the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB), mandate that these centers obtain a shops and establishment certificate, a commercial electricity connection, and install CCTV cameras. Dr. S. Chinny Krishna, former Vice Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), has welcomed these rules.

Under the new regulations, boarding kennels must provide a minimum of 36 square feet of space per dog, with specific areas for play and climate-controlled shelters for certain breeds. These facilities are also required to maintain detailed records, including food stock logs and medical histories, and have a veterinarian on call. The policy explicitly prohibits cruel practices such as tail docking, ear cropping, and the sedation of animals.

The state's new policy also introduces strict licensing and ethical standards for dog trainers, allowing only positive reinforcement techniques and banning the use of shock or prong collars. Trainers will be required to be TNAWB-certified. Furthermore, the regulations extend to horses used for joyrides, with strict norms for licensing and care prepared to curb illegal sales and cruelty.

Owners must obtain licenses, register their animals with microchips, and provide health and vaccination certificates. The policy sets minimum stable sizes and restricts horse rides during peak summer hours, with violations potentially leading to fines, license revocation, and criminal charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Dr. S. Chinny Krishna, former Vice Chairman of the AWBI and Co-founder of the Blue Cross of India (BCI) in Chennai, stated, The rules are most welcome since most so-called boarding houses are very badly run with no vet facilities and no records being maintained. Temperature-controlled rooms for long-haired breeds are another welcome feature.

He further noted that the Blue Cross of India has requested the government to also include two procedures not specifically mentioned: ear cropping and de-barking. He added that since many cat owners resort to de-clawing, the inclusion of this practice would also be helpful.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary