LUCKNOW, Aug. 23 -- For the first time, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has decided to impose a license fee on pet cats and fine owners who fail to register them. The civic body cleared the proposal in its executive committee meeting on Saturday and will place it before the LMC house for final approval.

LMC animal welfare officer Abhinav Verma said cat owners will have to pay Rs.500 as a license fee, while those keeping cats without a license will face a fine of Rs.1,000. "Licensing will ensure rabies vaccination for pet cats. Once the proposal gets the final nod, inspections will be carried out and cat owners will be urged to register their pets," Verma said.

Officials pointed out that cat bites can also spread rabies, similar ...