New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has passed a new resolution introducing a strict fine of Rs.10,000 for pet owners who abandon their microchipped dogs or cats in public spaces. The rule came into force on 1 October. Under the new enforcement mechanism, civic body officials, including veterinary, medical and sanitary officers, will scan lost or stray pets to track down their registered owners through their microchips. These pet parents would be held accountable for abandoning their pet, and a penalty payment would be charged accordingly.

Besides this, the authorities would impose a Rs.5,000 fine for keeping unlicensed pet dogs and Rs.500 for letting dogs off-leash in public. With these rules, the civic body aims ...