Mangaluru: MCC mandates pet dog vaccination, sterilisation; violators face fines up to Rs 50,000
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Oct 29, 2026: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has directed pet dog owners within its jurisdiction to comply with regulations on vaccination, sterilisation, animal welfare, cleanliness and responsible pet ownership, warning of strict legal action and fines of up to Rs 50,000 for violations.
The directive, issued by MCC Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey, cites Supreme Court orders, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.
Under the directive, all pet dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and receive other vaccines as prescribed by a veterinarian. Annual booster doses must be administered, and owners must produce valid vaccination certificates during inspections by corporation officials.
Pet owners must provide their dogs with nutritious food, clean drinking water, safe shelter and appropriate veterinary care. Dogs must not be allowed to roam freely in public places and must be kept on a leash when taken outdoors.
Owners are also required to clean up immediately if their pets defecate in public places. Failure to do so may attract an on-the-spot fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 under the corporation’s solid waste management bylaws.
The directive further states that pet dogs, both male and female, must be sterilised by authorised veterinarians unless they are being used for legally registered breeding purposes.
Individuals and organisations engaged in dog breeding or puppy sales must obtain registration from the Karnataka State Animal Welfare Board under the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules. The MCC will not issue trade licences to breeders who lack the mandatory registration. Unsold puppies must be rehabilitated through recognised animal welfare organisations, the commissioner said.
Abandoning pet dogs or puppies on roads, vacant plots, garbage heaps or other public places is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The commissioner warned that abandonment and other violations would invite legal action under the applicable laws.
He further cautioned that negligent handling of dogs that endangers human life could also result in legal proceedings. Where the applicable legal provisions are attracted, offenders may face imprisonment, fines or both.
Violations may attract penalties of up to Rs 50,000 under the applicable laws, the commissioner warned. The costs incurred in feeding and caring for abandoned animals will also be recovered from their owners in accordance with the law. An FIR will be registered at the jurisdictional police station where supported by appropriate evidence.
Members of the public who witness pet dogs or puppies being abandoned in public places can report the incidents to the MCC helpline at 9449007722, along with photographic or video evidence.