Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Kerala’s ₹10,000 Dog-Abandonment Fine Fails as Desertions Rise
Kerala wants to fine people ₹10,000 if they abandon their pet dogs.
The fine would also apply to some unlicensed pet-related activities.
However, many dogs are still being left in public places.
Some families got dogs during the pandemic because their children wanted them.
Later, some children moved away for school or work, and their parents abandoned the dogs.
An animal-rights group says many dogs are being abandoned in Thiruvananthapuram.
A veterinarian says every licensed dog should have a microchip.
The chip could help authorities find owners who leave their dogs behind.
Kerala plans a ₹10,000 fine for abandoning dogs and related licensing violations.
Animal-rights activists say pedigree dog abandonments continue to increase across the state.
Thiruvananthapuram’s People For Animals chapter reports at least five abandoned dogs daily.
Officials link some abandonments to children leaving Kerala or India after the pandemic.
A senior veterinarian recommends mandatory microchipping to help identify owners who abandon pets.
- Who
- The Kerala government, animal-rights activists, veterinarians, and pet owners are involved.
- What
- Kerala is preparing a ₹10,000 penalty for abandoning dogs and certain licensing violations, but abandonments continue to rise.
- When
- The legal amendments were decided last month; People For Animals reported three additional abandoned dogs on Thursday.
- Where
- Across Kerala, with at least five dogs reportedly abandoned daily in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- Some dogs bought during the 2020 pandemic were later abandoned after children moved elsewhere for education or work; activists also say owners assume they will not be caught.
Government Enforcement
Animal-Welfare Concerns
Effect of the proposed penalty
Government Enforcement
The Kerala government is introducing a ₹10,000 penalty to discourage dog abandonment and unlicensed pet-related activities.
Animal-Welfare Concerns
People For Animals says abandonments are still increasing, suggesting the proposed fine has not yet produced favourable results.
Policy development
Government Enforcement
The local self-government and animal husbandry departments are jointly preparing amendments to existing municipal and panchayat laws.
Animal-Welfare Concerns
Animal-rights activists say the government has not adequately consulted stakeholders before making the amendments law.
Preventing abandonment
Government Enforcement
Licensing requirements are intended to regulate pet ownership and related businesses.
Animal-Welfare Concerns
Senior veterinary surgeon Dr Jacob Alexander recommends mandatory microchipping so owners can be traced if they abandon dogs.
- Proposed fine
- ₹10,000 for abandoning pet dogs, keeping them without licences, or operating illegal breeding centres or pet shops without licences.
- Reported daily abandonments
- At least five dogs a day in Thiruvananthapuram, according to People For Animals.
- Recent report
- Three more abandoned dogs were reported to the Thiruvananthapuram chapter on Thursday.
- Dogs affected
- Many abandoned animals are described as purebred pedigree dogs, often around five to six years old.
- Relevant laws
- The Kerala Municipality Act and Kerala Panchayat Raj Act are to be amended.
- Proposed tracking measure
- Mandatory microchip-number submission with a veterinarian’s signature when applying for a pet licence.
- Government departments
- The local self-government department and state animal husbandry department are jointly preparing the amendment.