Bengaluru: Amid growing complaints over pet dog-related nuisance and safety concerns, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is considering capping the number of pet dogs per household and regulating the breeds allowed in apartment complexes across the city.GBA chief commissioner M Maheshwar Rao has written to the five city commissioners, requesting them to draft detailed rules on pet dog licensing and enforcement. The move signals a shift towards greater accountability for pet owners, alongside ongoing efforts to manage the city’s stray dog population. According to GBA estimates, Bengaluru is home to over two lakh pet dogs.
“We wrote to the GBA city commissioners to help them understand the public’s concerns regarding dogs and how these can be addressed,” Rao told TOI. Emphasising a consultative approach, he said the aim was not to impose blanket restrictions but to frame practical, enforceable guidelines based on public feedback and on-ground realities.3 dogs per independent house?Among the key proposals under consideration is a cap on the number of dogs per household, with one option being a limit of three pet dogs in independent houses. For apartment complexes and other multi-dwelling units, the GBA has asked commissioners to assess whether only less aggressive or more docile breeds should be permitted, given the shared use of common spaces. Breeds such as German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dobermann, and certain Hound varieties are being reviewed for possible restrictions in apartment settings.However, exceptions may be considered. “Special consideration may be given to rescued, adopted, and native Indian breeds, subject to verification by veterinary authorities,” a senior GBA official from the animal husbandry department said.Mandatory licencing, annual renewals The draft framework proposes mandatory pet dog licensing, annual renewals, and graded licence fees based on the dog’s category. It includes compulsory microchipping, vaccination certification from registered veterinarians, and mandatory sterilisation for dogs over 12 months, unless medically exempted.Enforcement measures are also under consideration, including penalties for unlicensed dogs, fines for bylaw violations, and procedures for handling seized or abandoned pets. Veterinary officers may be empowered to conduct inspections, verify licences, and respond to animal welfare complaints. Civic officials emphasised that the initiative aims to balance public safety with animal welfare, in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act-1960.The five city commissioners have been asked to consult residents, evaluate administrative feasibility, and submit their recommendations within a week. “Based on their inputs, we will finalise and notify the pet licensing framework and propose it to the state govt,” Rao said.BOXLeashes and Limits*Mandatory rabies vaccination for all pet dogs*Certification of vaccination from a registered veterinarian*Mandatory sterilisation for dogs above 12 months of age*Pet owners must install microchips for their dogs at their own expense*Dogs must be kept in a manner that does not inconvenience neighbours*Independent houses cannot keep more than 3 dogs; excess dogs may be seized and sent to animal shelters*Dogs must be kept as per municipal bylaws*Legal action for violation of bylaws*If a pet dog goes missing and is seized by authorities, the owner must pay a fine to reclaim it. (Rs 1,000 fine if reclaimed within 72 hours; thereafter Rs 200 per day.) If not reclaimed, the dog will be handed over to an animal welfare organisation*Dogs must be leashed while being walked*Owners must clean up after their dogs in public spaces*Banned breeds will not be allowed in public areas
