Overview
- Greater Chennai Corporation’s council approved the measure on December 19, taking effect December 20 across city limits.
- The rule bars new applications and renewals for Pitbull and Rottweiler licences and classifies the breeds as a public-safety risk.
- Existing licensed dogs are not being seized, but owners must use leashes and muzzles in public or face a Rs 5,000 fine.
- Illegal purchase or rearing after the cut-off can draw a proposed Rs 1 lakh penalty, with enforcement led by the GCC’s Veterinary Department.
- The move follows multiple reported attacks in recent months, while animal-rights advocates criticized the decision and pointed to a prior ban overturned by the Madras High Court.