Madras High Court: GCC Cannot Mandate Muzzles for Pet Dogs Without Legal Backing

The Madras High Court ruled that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) cannot require pet owners to mandatorily muzzle their dogs without lawful authority or scientific justification. The Court noted that such measures must be backed by statutory rules, expert veterinary opinion, and proportionality. It held that blanket rules violate animal welfare principles and responsible pet ownership norms. The judgment emphasised that municipal bodies cannot exceed their delegated powers and must adopt evidence-based guidelines rather than arbitrary restrictions. The decision protects both pet owners’ rights and animal welfare by ensuring that regulatory actions are rational, humane, and consistent with existing legal frameworks.