CHENNAI— The Greater Chennai Corporation has extended its deadline for mandatory pet licensing to Dec. 7 and relaxed several contested rules, including dropping compulsory muzzling and a cap on pet numbers, following a public outcry and a legal challenge . The civic body’s drive, which aims to register and microchip an estimated 100,000 pet dogs in the city, has seen over 82,000 applications but has been hampered by technical issues with its online portal and concerns over steep penalties . Pet owners who fail to license their dogs or cats by the new deadline risk a fine of ₹5,000, with door-to-door inspections to follow .

The Revised Rules: What’s Changed

In a significant climbdown, the GCC informed the Madras High Court that muzzling dogs in public is now advisory, not mandatory, addressing concerns that it was impractical for breeds like Bulldogs . The corporation also clarified there is no limit on the number of pets a person can own, attributing an earlier portal restriction to four pets per user as a “technical glitch” that has been resolved .

Microchipping remains a mandatory, one-time requirement for pet dogs within GCC limits, with the chip linking to owner details and vaccination history . Keeping dogs on a leash in public is compulsory, with a ₹500 fine for violations, and owners must clean up after their pets . The GCC has assured that animal welfare groups and foster caregivers can register animals in their custody and transfer ownership without extra charges .

The Licensing Process: Steps and Support

Pet owners must first get their dogs microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at a recognized clinic . The GCC offers free anti-rabies vaccinations and microchipping at six corporation clinics in areas including Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Nungambakkam, and Pulianthope . For cats, vaccination is required but microchipping is optional .

Owners must then apply online through the GCC portal, uploading their pet’s photo, vaccination proof, and address documentation, and pay an annual licence fee of ₹50 . The licence validity is tied to the pet’s rabies vaccination date, and the system will send reminders for renewal . The portal also features a digital pet ownership transfer function using OTP verification . For assistance, the GCC operates a helpline at 1913 and a WhatsApp support number (63850 99884) .

Low Compliance and Mounting Challenges

Despite the push, compliance has been low. With an estimated 100,000 pet dogs in the city, only about 31,000 licences had been filed ahead of the original November deadline, a compliance rate of roughly 31% . As of a more recent court hearing, applications had surged to over 82,000, with 35,348 dogs vaccinated and certified, indicating a late rush but still leaving a significant gap .

Pet owners and activists have reported persistent problems with the online portal, including login failures, upload errors, and unexplained licence rejections . “I had applied for the licence much before the deadline was announced… the licence was rejected. They should at least specify the reason for rejection,” said Chennai dog owner K Suresh . Some have also criticized the cost of microchipping at private clinics, though the service is free at GCC facilities .

The Driving Forces: Rabies, Abandonment, and Public Safety

The GCC cites multiple public health and safety reasons for the mandate. The city has recorded a spike in dog bites, with 5.25 lakh cases in 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year . While rabies deaths have dipped to 28 this year from 43 in 2024, authorities stress the need for consistent vaccination . “Very often, family members ignore pet dog bites… it’s important to vaccinate,” said Dr. A Somasundaram, director of public health for Tamil Nadu .

The rules also aim to curb pet abandonment, a growing problem in areas like Marina Beach, which has become a dumping ground for unwanted pets . Microchipping creates a permanent identification link to deter owners from abandoning animals and to help trace lost pets . NGOs, however, report a spike in abandonment inquiries, with 245 cases in Chennai over six months, fearing the penalty may push some owners to discard pets instead of registering them .

Perspectives from Pet Owners and Activists

Reactions to the policy are mixed. Some pet owners welcome the move toward greater accountability. “Microchipping helps track pets and identify owners who abandon them. It also improves the image of dog ownership,” one owner told The Federal . Others, however, worry about the high fine. “The ₹5,000 penalty is a steep one,” said Kirthana, founder of Hope for Critters, who also called for equal accountability for those who abandon microchipped pets .

The NGO People for Cattle in India, which filed the High Court petition, argued the rules were procedurally unfair, especially for rescuers caring for multiple animals . The court’s intervention led to the GCC’s concessions on muzzles, pet limits, and a more flexible deadline .

The success of Chennai’s pet licensing drive now hinges on effective implementation in the final week. The extension to Dec. 7 provides crucial breathing room, but the GCC must ensure its portal is robust and user-friendly to handle the last-minute influx. Public awareness campaigns are essential to direct owners to free corporation services and avoid penalizing well-intentioned but uninformed citizens.

Long-term, the initiative’s real test will be whether it leads to a sustained increase in vaccination rates, a reduction in rabies cases, and a decrease in pet abandonment. The integrated digital system, if maintained properly, could provide invaluable data for urban animal management. However, the government must balance enforcement with support, ensuring the rules protect public health without placing an undue burden on responsible pet lovers or inadvertently worsening the stray animal crisis. The coming door-to-door inspections and the public’s reaction to fines will be the next chapter in Chennai’s attempt to manage its pet population responsibly.