Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 30: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has made vaccination, leashing and sterilisation mandatory for pet dogs, warning of penalties of up to Rs 50,000 for violations, while commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey has ordered construction blocking a stormwater drain at Kadri Kambla Road to be halted pending an inquiry.

The corporation has issued comprehensive guidelines for pet owners within its jurisdiction, covering vaccination, animal welfare, hygiene, sterilisation and breeder registration.

The guidelines are based on Supreme Court orders, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.

All pet dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and receive other vaccines prescribed by veterinarians, with annual booster doses also mandatory. Owners must produce valid vaccination certificates during inspections by MCC officials.

Owners must provide their dogs with nutritious food, clean drinking water, safe shelter and appropriate veterinary care. Dogs cannot be allowed to roam freely in public places and must be kept on a leash outdoors. Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs defecate in public places will face on-the-spot fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 under the corporation's solid waste management bylaws.

All male and female pet dogs must undergo sterilisation by an authorised veterinarian unless they are used for breeding by legally registered breeders. Individuals and organisations involved in dog breeding or puppy sales must obtain registration from the Karnataka State Animal Welfare Board.

The MCC will not issue trade licences without the required registration, and unsold puppies must be rehabilitated through recognised animal welfare organisations.

Abandoning dogs or puppies on roads, vacant sites, garbage heaps or other public places is an offence. The MCC warned that violations could attract fines of up to Rs 50,000 under applicable laws. If neglect results in an animal's death or disability, provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita may also apply, potentially attracting imprisonment of up to five years, a fine or both. Negligent handling that endangers human life will invite strict legal action. The cost of caring for abandoned animals will be recovered from their owners, and an FIR may be registered based on appropriate evidence.

Residents can report cases of abandonment to the MCC helpline on 9449007722, with photographic or video evidence, or through the state public grievance helpline, 1902, MCC Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey stated.

Development works reviewed across city

At Mannagudda Park near the mayor's bungalow, officials discussed beautification and plans to develop a sports complex with multiple facilities. A comprehensive master plan will be prepared.

At Mahakalipadpu grounds opposite the pourakarmika quarters, proposals included developing a park under MCC maintenance, creating a children's play area, installing fencing and constructing an amphitheatre.

Pandey directed MCC officials to convene an urgent meeting with Horticulture Department officials. He also assured residents seeking repairs to damaged roads that necessary action would be taken promptly.

At Sri Manjunatha Temple in Kadri, the commissioner heard complaints from the management, including sewage entering the water pipeline meant for the temple. Officials discussed underground drainage work and asphalting the parking area.

At Kadri ground, proposals included introducing a booking system, outsourcing maintenance through a contract, handing over the nearby public toilet to a contractor and installing temporary fencing.

At Kadri Kambla Road, Pandey ordered construction that had obstructed a stormwater drain and drainage channel to stop until an inquiry was completed. He directed officials to issue a notice to the building owner and schedule a hearing within the week.

During an inspection of renovation work at a building in Urwa Stores, he also directed officials to issue a notice over regulatory compliance issues and schedule a hearing for the following week.

At Urwa Stores market and ground, officials discussed organised parking, traditional-style architecture, separate entry and exit gates, a food court, drive-in food counters and an amphitheatre. Beautification of the ground and roads, CCTV installation and outsourcing ground maintenance through a tender were also considered. Meetings with concerned departments will be held in the coming days.

MUDA chairperson Santosh Kumar Shetty, commissioner Mohammed Nazeer and MCC deputy commissioner (Development) Naresh P Shenoy were present during the inspections.

Separately, Pandey, accompanied by Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) officials, inspected development works and reviewed public grievances at several locations recently.