Pet dog licensing in Puducherry has seen persistently low numbers over the past two years, revealing significant compliance challenges among residents. According to Section 345 of the Puducherry Municipalities Act, 1973, registration of pet dogs is mandatory, yet the figures paint a stark picture: only 192 residents registered their pets in 2023, with a mere 110 completing the process by May this year within the Puducherry Municipality.
The nominal fee of ₹150 for initial registration and ₹100 annually for renewal, administered by the Puducherry Municipality, includes requirements for vaccination proof and basic pet details. Tokens issued upon registration are to be affixed to the animal’s collar, facilitating identification.
Officials note a consistent rise in the pet dog population, estimating it to exceed 5,000, but attribute the low registration rates primarily to lack of awareness. A senior municipal official acknowledged the public’s general knowledge of licensing requirements but lamented the community’s hesitance to comply.
Efforts to bolster registration rates include mandatory licensing at anti-rabies vaccination drives, yet comprehensive awareness campaigns are deemed necessary. Municipal authorities intend to intensify outreach efforts to encourage adherence to licensing protocols.
Meanwhile, concerns persist over the stray dog population, compounded by a lack of recent surveys to ascertain their numbers. The last survey, conducted in 2014, reported over 13,000 stray dogs across Puducherry and Oulgaret. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort involving local administrations and animal husbandry departments, advocating for mandatory licensing, microchipping, and annual renewals.
Plans are underway to implement an Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, with facilities already prepared at a designated site in Odiansalai, supported by a ₹5 lakh allocation from the Department of Animal Husbandry. Initiatives like these are seen as critical steps towards managing the challenges posed by stray dogs effectively.
In conclusion, while Puducherry grapples with increasing pet ownership, enhancing compliance with pet licensing regulations remains pivotal in ensuring public safety and effective animal control measures in the region.
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