No decision on muzzling dogs in public yet: Chennai Corporation

Representative image. File
| Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran

Chennai Corporation has on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) rubbished reports in a section of media that the civic body has decided to impose a fine of ₹1,000 on pet owners who fail to muzzle their dogs. “We have not framed any rules yet. We do not impose a fine either. But we have filed police complaints against owners in the event of a dog attack. We will frame regulations shortly,” said an official.

Chennai Corporation is planning to frame regulations regarding use of muzzles only for certain ferocious breeds of dogs, not all, in crowded areas, public spaces and parks after getting concurrence of the Animal Welfare Board of India, to ensure that the animals are not subjected to any unnecessary pain and suffering. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials said they gave only an “advisory” last year to use muzzles for dogs after a child was attacked by two dogs belonging to Rottweiler breed in a park in Nungambakkam.

In 2022, the Animal Welfare Board of India framed guidelines for the use of muzzles on dogs, advising owners of dogs and caretakers of the community animals, as well as any individuals who have dogs in their care, to refrain from leaving muzzles on the dogs in the absence of constant and careful supervision.

AWBI has also advised residents not to promote the usage of flat muzzles for prolonged periods in violation of Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, as it is likely to cause fatal risk to the dog by hampering the dog from cooling off by panting, leading to breathlessness and overheating. AWBI, however, has also pointed in the direction of basket muzzles that enable the dog to continue to pant and drink water.

AWBI has framed guidelines stating that residential societies, apartment associations and housing colonies shall not mandate the use of muzzles for all dogs on walks or impose their usage on community animals. As a number of residents in the city have demanded the GCC to control dog menace, Chennai Corporation is likely to frame regulations addressing such civic issues shortly.