The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed a fine of ₹25,000 for residents who abandon pet dogs in the city. After the Corporation Council approves the resolution in its next meeting, the collection of the fine will begin.

Currently, the Corporation does not impose a fine on pet owners who abandon their dogs. The stray dog population has allegedly increased in several zones of the city owing residents abandoning their pets. As many as 1,15,548 pets have been registered by the GCC in the 15 zones of the city. The civic body has issued pet licences with microchips to 78,328 animals in the city.

In a bid to prevent rabies, the GCC conducted an anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) drive last year, covering 1.47 lakh dogs. This year, it plans to cover 2 lakh dogs in the rabies vaccination drive. A mass ARV and endecto parasiticidal camp will be held for all pets and stray dogs from Tuesday (August 11, 2026) in the city. The programme will begin in Tiruvottiyur, Manali, and Tondiarpet zones. The camp aims to cover 3,000 dogs per day.

“Within 75 working days, the camp plans to cover around 2 lakh dogs. During the camp, free ARV vaccination will be administered to pet dogs and cats,” said an official.

According to data compiled by the GCC, stray dog-related complaints have been received from 15,477 residents in the first six months of this year. The highest number of complaints about stray dogs have been received from the residents of Tondiarpet so far this year. As many as 1,869 complaints were registered in Tondiarpet, while Manali registered just 280 complaints during the same period. Madhavaram, Royapuram, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, and Adyar have registered more than 1,000 complaints in the past six months. The GCC has caught 26,498 dogs for animal birth control in the residential areas of the city over the last six months.

Residents are requested to call the GCC helpline 1913 for complaints about civic issues pertaining to dogs in their neighbourhoods.

Published - August 10, 2026 09:49 pm IST