GCC proposes ₹25,000 fine for pet dog abandonment in Chennai

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed a fine of ₹25,000 for residents who abandon pet dogs in the city, following a surge in stray dog complaints in neighbourhoods including Adyar. Collection of the fine will begin after the Corporation Council approves the resolution in its next meeting.

Currently, the Corporation does not impose a fine on pet owners who abandon their animals. Civic officials attribute the growing stray dog population in several zones to pet abandonment. GCC records indicate that 1,15,548 pets have been registered across the city's 15 zones, with microchipped pet licences issued to 78,328 animals.

Adyar is among several civic zones—alongside Madhavaram, Royapuram, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, and Kodambakkam—that have registered more than 1,000 stray dog complaints in the past six months alone. Citywide, 15,477 residents submitted stray dog-related complaints during the first half of the year. Tondiarpet registered the highest number with 1,869 complaints, while Manali registered 280 during the same period.

In a bid to prevent rabies, the GCC is launching a mass anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and endecto parasiticidal camp for all pets and stray dogs starting Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The programme will begin in the Tiruvottiyur, Manali, and Tondiarpet zones, aiming to cover 3,000 dogs per day.

Within 75 working days, officials plan to cover around 2 lakh dogs across the city. Free ARV vaccinations will be administered to pet dogs and cats during the camp. Last year, the GCC's anti-rabies vaccination drive covered 1.47 lakh dogs.

Alongside vaccination efforts, the GCC has caught 26,498 dogs for animal birth control in residential areas over the past six months. Residents experiencing civic issues pertaining to dogs in their neighbourhoods are requested to call the GCC helpline at 1913.