Shimla:  The Shimla Municipal Corporation has taken a proactive stance to tackle the challenges posed by stray dogs and irresponsible pet owners. In an effort to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and the well-being of its residents, SMC will impose a fine of Rs 2000 on pet owners if they fail to register their pets in a month time. 

One move is the requirement for pet owners to register their  pet dogs the SMC within one month, says SMC public health and veterinary officer,  Neeraj Mohan.

Failure to do so will result in a fine of Rs 2000. The resolution to this effect was  moved in the SMC House was brought to the forefront by Ramratan Verma, a councilor from Kagnadhar, aims to address open defecation issues caused by negligent pet owners.

The SMC has also raised the registration fee from Rs 500 to Rs 1000, effective immediately. All pet owners in the city are urged to complete the registration process at the office of the Veterinary Public Health Officer located in Subzimandi within the stipulated timeframe.

The veterinary officer has emphasized that a fine of Rs 2000 will be imposed for non-compliance.

Open defecation by pets on roads, parking lots, and pathways has escalated into a  major  health concern in Shimla. Irresponsible pet owners have largely ignored this issue, leading to unhygienic conditions for pedestrians.

To address the growing menace of stray dogs, the SMC launched an immunization and sterilization campaign in July.

Over 200 dogs have already received treatment, and this initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Stray Dog Birth Control Society of the Municipal Corporation Shimla, local councilors, public representatives, and NGOs.

Six feeding sites have been established for stray dogs at various locations throughout the city, including Ram Bazar, Subzimandi, Jhakhu, Lehnu Bhavan, Pateog (near Tarna Mata Temple), the old Tibetan market, Kaithu, and Chhota Shimla (near Rahat Hotel).

These measures reflect Shimla's commitment to fostering a cleaner and safer environment for all its residents , both human and canine in the city.

It is a reminder that responsible pet ownership not only ensures the well-being of pets but also contributes to the overall health and harmony of the city.