Sun Nov 02 18:55:31 UTC 2025: ## Chennai to Crack Down on Unlicensed Pets with New Survey and Fines

CHENNAI – November 3, 2025 – The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to launch a city-wide survey of pet dogs and cats starting November 24th, aiming to improve pet registration and ensure responsible pet ownership. Residents found without a valid pet license will face a hefty fine of ₹5,000.

The GCC is urging residents to obtain licenses for their dogs and cats online before November 23rd. The annual license fee is ₹50 per pet. This initiative follows the ongoing microchipping program for dogs, launched on October 8th at six designated pet clinics across Chennai.

“Microchipping of pet dogs and anti-rabies vaccination are being offered free of charge at our six clinics,” stated a GCC official. While microchipping is currently focused on dogs, anti-rabies vaccination is mandatory for all cats. The microchips will allow the GCC to track and manage the pet dog population, estimated at around one lakh across the city’s 15 zones. Disappointingly, only 105 dogs have been microchipped so far.

The GCC has also been working to manage the city’s stray dog population, estimated at 1.8 lakh. To this end, the GCC has microchipped 12,000 stray dogs. They currently perform Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgeries on approximately 100 stray dogs daily at five centers. Plans are in place to significantly increase this number, with ten new ABC centers scheduled to open in January, expected to boost the daily surgery count to 400.

“Last year, we issued 9,034 licenses for dogs and cats, but this year we have only issued 3,401,” the official added. “We will be working to sensitize residents about the importance of licensing and will be communicating these measures through resident welfare associations and the Revenue Department.”

The GCC hopes this comprehensive approach, combining pet licensing enforcement, free microchipping and vaccination, and increased ABC efforts, will contribute to better pet management and public health within the city.

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