Tamil Nadu Govt Allows Euthanasia For Terminally Ill Dogs
As per the government order issued in this regard, the mercy killing should be done by registered veterinarians.
Published : July 28, 2025 at 3:11 PM IST
Chennai: Amid widespread complaints about dog related infections, the Tamil Nadu government has reportedly granted approval to euthanasia or mercy killing of terminally ill stray dogs in accordance with last year's 'Dog Breeding Policy' to prevent the spread of diseases including rabies.
While the Animal Husbandry Department website did not confirm the development, reports quoted an order issued by the department stating that the euthanasia should be done by registered veterinarians only.
“Relevant documents for those dogs should be maintained. Stray dogs that are euthanized should be properly buried," it said.
It is understood that the guidelines regarding the control of animals roaming on the roads will be issued soon by the Tamil Nadu government.
2024 Dog Breeding Policy
The Tamil Nadu government had in 2024, issued a gazette notification allowing euthanasia of stray dogs suffering from diseases following court directions in this regard.
According to the notification, stray dogs shall not be euthanised simply because they can no longer breed or be sold commercially. The government has allowed euthanasia of only mortally wounded or incurably ill dogs solely by a registered veterinary practitioner.
The process must be properly documented, including post-mortem reports, and the carcasses must be disposed of humanely as per official norms, added the notification.
According to the Tamil Nadu Dog Breeding Policy 2024, breeding, marketing and sale of dogs had become a high commercial venture involving thousands of breeders and pet shops making this as a multi-crore business.
"This has resulted in the mushrooming of unscrupulous breeders and unethical breeders selling puppies that are poor in breed standards, unhealthy and diseased. This uncontrolled breeding has high zoonotic potential which is a public health concern. Hence, it is the need of the hour to frame dog breeding policy for the State of Tamil Nadu".
The Tamil Nadu dog breeding policy 2024 is drafted based on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (Central Act 59 of 1960). This dog breeding policy emphasizes on:
• Ethical breeding
• Avoid indiscriminate breeding
• Avoid inbreeding leading to genetic disorder
• Conserve native germplasm which is of unique Biodiversity values
• Prevent introduction of diseases from foreign countries.
• Registration of premises/establishment
• Licensing of breeders
• Issue of certificate for breeding dogs (sire/dam)
• Monitor the dog breeding agencies
Madras High Court Directions
The Madras High Court had on 06 June, 2023, inter-alia, directed the state government to formulate “Tamil Nadu Dog Breeding Policy” for regulation of breeding of dogs in the state.
The High Court of Madras in different orders had issued suitable instructions to finalize “Dog Breeding Policy”and to upload it in the official website.
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