Thiruvananthapuram, 22 July (H.S.): The Kerala government is preparing to introduce stricter regulations on pet ownership, including a fine of up to ₹10,000 for owners who abandon pet dogs in public places or keep them without obtaining the mandatory licence. The move comes as part of a wider strategy to tackle the growing stray dog population and follows the Supreme Court's directive to the state to strengthen measures for controlling stray dogs.

Under the proposed rules, pet owners will be required to obtain licences for their animals and ensure that all pets are vaccinated. The government is also considering making microchipping compulsory for pet dogs so that abandoned animals can be traced back to their owners with ease.

Authorities also plan to impose a penalty of up to ₹10,000 on individuals or establishments operating pet breeding centres or pet shops without official permission. To enforce these provisions, amendments will be introduced to the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act.

According to data from the Local Self-Government Department and the Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala currently has around eight lakh pet dogs and nearly four lakh stray dogs.

Local Self-Government Department Principal Director Divya S. Iyer said that the abandonment of pet dogs on roads and in public places is a major factor contributing to the rapid increase in the stray dog population. Dogs raised in homes often struggle to survive after being abandoned, as they are unable to find food or shelter. Many end up competing with stray dogs for resources, leading to territorial conflicts and increasingly aggressive behaviour, she said.

The government also acknowledged that the shortage of shelters for captured stray dogs remains a major challenge. To address this, it plans to strengthen the functioning of Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres and deploy additional mobile ABC units in districts that lack permanent sterilisation facilities. Dedicated feeding zones will also be identified to ensure the scientific and regulated feeding of stray dogs.

A final decision on the proposed legal amendments and draft rules is expected at a meeting chaired by the Minister for Local Self-Government later this week. The government is also preparing a comprehensive action plan on stray dog population control and prevention of dog attacks, which will be submitted to the High Court by August 7 before being forwarded to the Supreme Court. The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter again on November 17.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman