Fear of losing pet triggers rush for licence at LMC

LUCKNOW: With growing fear among owners of losing their dog, pet registration increased 10 times in past five days. Lucknow Municipal Corporation's drive for registration of pet dogs which began on Friday has crossed the century mark.
"I was struck by the fear of losing Heaven, my pet and took it to the district veterinary hospital for vaccination and licence," said Surabhi, a bank manager.
"The number of pet dogs registered with LMC was 10 at the beginning of this year and now at least 10 pet owners approach us daily for licence in the LMC office and over 100 licences have been made in other centres of the city," said doctor Arvind K Rao, the corporation's chief veterinary officer.
"Apart from my regular clients, several new pet owners walk up for licence after getting it vaccinated," said Dr Nagendra Gupta from the Jankipuram centre.
"When I read that pets would be seized if owners don't have licence, I went to the vet to get my German Shepherd registered," said Shipra Singh from Ashiana. The door-to-door checking drive will begin from November 10. "We will take away unregistered pets and release them only after owners pay the fine," said Dr Rao.