MCC makes vaccination, leashing mandatory for pet dogs

The Mangaluru City Corporation has made rabies vaccination, leashing, registration, and sterilisation mandatory for pet dogs in Mangaluru, Karnataka, according to Deccan Herald, Mangalore Today, and Daijiworld, to ensure public hygiene and animal welfare. The civic body issued these guidelines according to the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Animal Welfare Board of India instructions. Pet owners must provide nutritious food, clean water, and safe shelter. Dogs are not allowed to roam freely and must be kept on a leash when taken outdoors. Owners who fail to clean up after their pet defecates in a public place face on-the-spot fines from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. Sterilisation is required unless a dog is used for breeding by a person registered with the Karnataka State Animal Welfare Board under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017. Violations or pet abandonment may draw fines up to Rs 50,000. Neglect causing death or disability to an animal can lead to five years of imprisonment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Residents can report abandoned pet dogs to the helpline at 9449007722.