The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has officially banned six aggressive dog breeds to ensure public safety under the newly notified “Pet and Community Dogs Bye-Laws, 2025.”
The breeds banned include American Bulldog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. According to the notification, these breeds are considered dangerous or potentially aggressive and will no longer be permitted to be kept, bred, or sold within Chandigarh’s municipal limits.
Existing Owners Get 45-Day Buffer Period
The new bye-laws specify that no new registration will be allowed for these six breeds. However, existing dog owners will be given a 45-day buffer period to register their pets.
After this period, any breeder, pet shop owner, or individual found keeping or selling these banned breeds will face penalties, including immediate seizure of the dog by authorities.
Owners who already have these dogs registered before the new law will be exempt, but they must follow strict safety rules.
Rules for Existing Dog Owners
For those who already own these breeds:
- The dogs must be muzzled at all times while walking in public.
- They must be leashed with strong and secure equipment.
- Owners are advised to get them trained by certified trainers registered with the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.
These measures aim to prevent any accidental or aggressive incidents and ensure safer interactions in public spaces.
Dog Registration Now Mandatory
The bye-laws make dog registration mandatory for all owners. The number of dogs allowed per house will depend on the property size:
- Up to 5 marla house: 1 dog
- Up to 12 marla house: 2 dogs
- Up to 1 kanal (20 marla) house: 4 dogs
This limit also applies per floor, with one dog allowed per floor in a three-storey house.
Restricted Areas for Pets
Pet owners are prohibited from taking dogs to public parks and gardens, including:
- Sukhna Lake
- Rose Garden
- Rock Garden
- Leisure Valley
- Shanti Kunj
- Bougainvillea Garden
- Chandigarh Botanical Garden, Sarangpur
and other areas as notified by the Commissioner from time to time.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Rules
The bye-laws stress that pet owners must ensure cleanliness in public areas.
- Dogs are not allowed to defecate in public spaces such as parks, roads, green belts, or near residences.
- If a dog defecates in a public place, the owner must clean it up, place it in a poop bag, and dispose of it properly.
Failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties.
Regulations for Breeders and Pet Shops
All dog breeders, trainers, groomers, and pet shop owners are now required to register with the Municipal Corporation.
Those who feed community or stray dogs must do so only at designated feeding points assigned by the civic body. Throwing food or feeding dogs in unauthorized areas will be treated as an offence, especially if it causes disturbance, traffic obstruction, or safety risks.
Action Against Negligence
The corporation has the authority to impound any dog that:
- Causes nuisance through excessive barking or howling.
- Is left unattended or tied for long periods.
- Roams freely in public without supervision or a leash.
These steps are part of the city’s larger effort to promote responsible pet ownership, public hygiene, and community safety.
