The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MCC) has officially banned six aggressive dog breeds including American Bulldog, Pitbull, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, and Dogo Argentino under the new Pet and Community Dogs Bye-Laws 2025. The move aims to ensure public safety following multiple dog-bite incidents across India. Existing owners have been given 45 days to register their pets with the MC’s veterinary department.
Overview
In a significant step towards regulating pet ownership and ensuring public safety, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has notified new bye-laws governing pet and community dogs. The regulations are designed to address rising cases of dog attacks and irresponsible pet ownership within the city.
The new rules, titled The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Pet and Community Dogs Bye-Laws 2025, came into effect in October 2025.
List of Banned Dog Breeds
Under the bye-laws, registration and breeding of the following six breeds are prohibited:
American Bulldog
American Pitbull / Pitbull Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cane Corso
Rottweiler
Dogo Argentino
These breeds have been categorized as aggressive or potentially dangerous based on global safety records and local incidents.
Rules for Existing Pet Owners
Current owners of these breeds will be allowed to keep them, provided they register the animals within 45 days of notification.
All such dogs must be sterilized, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The owners must submit an undertaking that their pets will be kept under control at all times and not taken to public parks, jogging tracks, or crowded places.
The dogs must always be leashed and muzzled in public areas.
Failure to comply will result in immediate cancellation of registration and seizure of the pet.
New Regulations for All Pet Owners
Beyond the banned breeds, the bye-laws have introduced stricter rules for all pet owners in Chandigarh:
Mandatory Registration: Every dog — including Indies and crossbreeds — must be registered with the MC.
Annual Renewal: Registrations must be renewed each year with updated vaccination records.
Leash and Muzzle Rule: All pets must be leashed in public areas; aggressive behavior can lead to penalties.
Cleanliness Obligation: Owners must clean up after their pets or face fines up to ₹5,000.
Noise Control: Owners must ensure that dogs do not cause continuous disturbance to neighbors.
Penalties and Fines
Keeping a banned breed without registration: ₹10,000 fine + possible confiscation.
Non-registration or fake license: ₹5,000 fine.
Public nuisance or aggression: ₹2,000 fine.
Repeated violations can lead to revocation of license and ban on future ownership.
Why This Ban Was Introduced
The decision follows a series of dog-bite cases across the Tricity and NCR region, some involving Pitbulls and Rottweilers. Reports cited incidents where children, senior citizens, and delivery workers were attacked.
The Chandigarh MC’s veterinary department, after reviewing such cases and consulting experts, concluded that banning specific aggressive breeds was necessary for public safety.
Officials noted that the focus was not just on breed aggression but also on ensuring responsible ownership, proper training, and sterilization of all pets.
Public Reaction
Animal welfare organizations have urged the MC to focus on owner responsibility rather than breed bans.
Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) have largely welcomed the move, saying it will prevent dog-bite incidents in high-density residential areas.
Many pet owners have expressed concern over the registration process and whether mixed-breed dogs could face issues.
Broader Animal Control Measures
The Chandigarh MC has also intensified other animal management steps:
Sterilization of stray dogs under the ABC (Animal Birth Control) program.
Identification of 150 feeding points for stray animals.
Collaboration with NGOs for community awareness about rabies, vaccination, and responsible feeding.
Chandigarh’s Pet and Community Dogs Bye-Laws 2025 mark a decisive step in balancing public safety and animal welfare. While the ban on six aggressive breeds has sparked debate, authorities emphasize that the focus remains on responsible ownership, training, and public awareness to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and pets.
