GCC to fine owner Rs 50,000 after microchip traces abandoned labrador in Purasawalkam

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is initiating action and plans to penalise a man who abandoned his labrador on Nammazhvar Street in Purasawalkam, Chennai. Civic authorities successfully traced the owner using a microchip embedded in the dog's body, marking a significant step in the local campaign against pet abandonment.

The dog, which was found infected with mange and maggots, was rescued from the roadside and brought to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) in Besant Nagar. Shravan Krishnan of BMAD confirmed that the rescued labrador is currently recouping from its injuries and infections.

After the dog was brought to the dispensary, the issue was escalated to the GCC. The veterinary department of the civic body was able to identify and locate the owner by scanning the microchip embedded on the pet's body.

GCC veterinary officer Kamal Hussain stated that the civic body plans to impose a penalty of Rs 50,000 on the owner for abandoning the animal. Hussain highlighted that many pet owners in the city are currently unaware of this penalty clause.

According to Krishnan, there has been a rising trend of owners abandoning pedigree dogs on roads that do not have CCTV surveillance. Breeds such as labradors, German shepherds, dobermans, and great danes are frequently being left by the roadside.

Pet lovers and community advocates state that microchipping is a key tool to combat this issue. It not only helps reunite lost or abandoned animals with negligent owners but also supports the enforcement of animal welfare laws.

To date, approximately 79,000 pets have been microchipped in the city. Local animal shelters and advocates hope that widespread microchipping will reduce desertion rates by increasing owner accountability and making it harder for people to evade responsibility.