Indian Express 24.11.2010
No dog census ever in city; only 800 licenced pets: civic records
Tags : animals, no dog census ever in city Posted: Wed Nov 24 2010, 06:43 hrs
In a city of nearly 60 lakh people, only 800 pets are licenced. The figures are no surprise considering that no dog census or scientific sampling has been carried out in the city. Animal Welfare Board of India welfare officer Manoj Oswal said, “No dog census or scientific sampling has ever been conducted in the city and hence the actual number is speculative. As per my speculation, there are about 5,000 pet dogs in the city and 40,000 stray dogs. Besides, in India there is something called as community dogs which are not owned by individuals but by local residents- this number could be closer to 20,000 in Pune.”
The licensing fee is Rs 50 per year and an advance for ten years, that works out to be Rs 500, needs to be paid. The licence should be renewed every year, along with vaccination. The authorities claim that a public declaration is issued in dailies to inform people about licensing. As per records, 277 licenses were issued in the year 2005- 06, 86 in 06-07, 127 in 07-08, 90 in 08-09, 90 in 09-10 and 136 till date in the current year.
“The licensing procedure involves filling up a form, priced at Re 1, and submitting it to the regional offices along with documents such as medical proof that the dog has been given anti rabies vaccine, residence proof and a no objection certificate (NOC) from the society. Licence is issued with a metal badge that needs to be tied around the dog’s neck,” said B M Gunda, supervisor, Food and Licensing Department of PMC. The regional offices always have a dearth of forms. After submitting the documents, the forms are sent to the PMC for final issue of licences and are sent back to the regional offices for missing signatures of their own officers. “I have been running behind submission of one form for the past 15 days and haven’t managed to meet the concerned officer,” said dog owner Subhash Erande.
On reasons behind dismal licences, Oswal said, “Corruption is one reason. Before 2001, civic authorities could kill a dog if the owner did not have a license. After that there a ban on killing was put in place. Now the dogs have to sterilised and released as a result of which licensing has taken a back seat.”
If you own a pet-
* Licence is compulsory as per PBMC Act and your dog is illegal if you do not have a licence
* Only those staying in independent bungalows can get license for more than 2 dogs
* Leather belt and the metal badge in the neck are a must for a pet dog
* License has to be renewed every year- there are no renewal charges
