LUCKNOW, Oct. 31 -- The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) launched an early morning crackdown on unlicensed pet dogs on Friday, penalising several owners and collecting Rs.22,000 in fines and license fees during an intensive drive across key localities of the city. So far, around 3,500 dog licenses have been issued this year, compared to about 6,200 last year.

According to the LMC, around 10,000 pet dogs live within the city limits. The corporation issues licenses only after owners submit a rabies vaccination certificate and an affidavit in compliance with the Dog Control Bylaws, 2003.

Acting on the instructions of municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar, the campaign began at 6:30 am in Zone 4 under the supervision of animal welfare offi...