Chennai Corporation has started identifying the owners of abandoned pets in the city. The drive to rescue abandoned dogs will be intensified in all the 15 zones of the city ahead of the onset of the north east monsoon.
Chennai Corporation collected a fine amount of ₹10,000 from Tondiarpet resident M. Sarathkumar after a German shepherd licensed in his name was found abandoned in Tiruvottiyur. Chennai Corporation officials said the animal was sick and was being treated. “We have not handed over the animal to the owner. We will intensify the drive to identify abandoned pets in all the zones of the city,” said an official.
Mr. Sarathkumar claimed that the animal went missing after it was taken to the Veterinary Hospital in Vepery. Chennai Corporation officials refused to accept his explanation and imposed a fine because the dog owner had failed to register a complaint with the Chennai Corporation after his dog went missing.
Meanwhile, Chennai Corporation officials are planning to start a drive to identify unlicensed pets in the city. Over 77,000 pets have been microchipped in the city and many animals have not been vaccinated for renewal of licence. Pet owners who take dogs to public spaces including parks and beaches will be checked by GCC veterinary officials for imposing a fine of ₹5,000 for unlicensed pets.
Chennai Corporation has also set to launch a new shelter for dogs that are rescued from educational institutions and hospitals as per Supreme Court directions. Chennai Corporation has already rescued 35 dogs from various institutions and has sheltered the animals in the facility in Manali. The existing dog shelter in Manali has a capacity of 250 while the new shelter in Perungudi will house 250 dogs rescued from institutions.
Ahead of the onset of the Northeast monsoon, Chennai Corporation has adequate stock of medicines and vaccines for dogs, officials said.
Published - October 06, 2026 12:56 am IST