Stop Chennai Corporation's Cruel ₹5000 Fine & Mandatory Muzzling for Pets in Chennai

To,

The Commissioner
Greater Chennai Corporation

Dear Sir,

We, the responsible and law-abiding pet parents of Chennai, are deeply concerned about the Greater Chennai Corporation’s proposed measures from November 24, which include:

• ₹5000 spot fines for unlicensed pet dogs,
• ₹500 fines for dogs walked without both a leash and a muzzle &
• Door-to-door checks and enforcement actions in residential areas.     

These measures are unjust, impractical, and in violation of animal welfare laws and fundamental rights.

Currently, fewer than 15,000 dog licences have been issued, whereas Chennai has over 1 lakh pet dogs. The online registration system frequently malfunctions, making compliance virtually impossible for genuine pet owners.

Further, the mandatory use of muzzles is both unsafe and unlawful. Flat or restrictive muzzles prevent dogs from panting, leading to heatstroke and death within minutes—this amounts to cruelty under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), through its official circular dated 17 August 2022, has clearly directed that:

• Local bodies cannot impose muzzling mandates on all dogs.
• Flat muzzles are prohibited due to the risk of asphyxiation and stress.
• Only dogs with a history of aggression may be required to wear basket muzzles, and only under veterinary advice.

Similar blanket rules have been struck down by several courts:

• Kerala High Court (Kochi) – Quashed the municipal muzzle mandate.
• Bombay High Court (Nagpur) – Declared it unconstitutional.
• Delhi High Court – Recognized it as a violation of Article 21, affirming the dignity and welfare of animals as part of the right to life.

We therefore earnestly urge the Greater Chennai Corporation to:

• Withdraw the entire resolution imposing fines and muzzle mandates by 13 November 2025.
• Suspend enforcement actions and raids on pet owners.
• Consult the AWBI, animal welfare experts, and registered pet owners’ associations before drafting any future policy.
  
  

This is not merely a policy issue — it is a matter of compassion, legality, and public trust. Every voice matters. Every signature represents a life that cannot speak for itself.

Let Chennai lead with kindness, not cruelty.