Ahmedabad updates dog ownership rules.

In 3 months, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce its revised regulations regarding dog ownership.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is set to unveil its new pet ownership policy within the next three months, according to reliable sources. The policy will require pet owners to register their dogs and maintain updated vaccination records. Dogs must be leashed in public areas, and entry into certain parks may be restricted. The policy is being meticulously crafted, taking into account legal considerations such as Supreme Court rulings and central government directives.

Pet registration will be available online for a nominal fee of 500 rupees, with a straightforward process. Annual vaccination certificates will be mandatory, with reminders sent to owners’ phones by the AMC. Currently, Ahmedabad has an estimated 50,000 pet dogs without official vaccination records. The AMC stresses the importance of regular vaccinations to prevent rabies and other diseases.

While dedicated dog parks remain a future prospect, the AMC is contemplating a temporary ban on dogs in public spaces like parks and gardens. This decision, though potentially confusing, is under careful consideration due to the benefits of such spaces for dog exercise and socialization. Other cities like Vadodara and Surat already have pet registration systems in place. Despite previous proposals in 2014 and revisions in 2016, the AMC had not finalized its regulations until now. The emphasis is on responsible pet ownership, in line with the central government’s goal of rabies-free cities by 2030. This entails online registration, regular vaccinations, designated feeding areas for stray dogs, and enforced restricted zones.