Navi Mumbai, Sept. 20 -- The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has rolled out stringent regulations targeting aggressive dog breeds like Pitbulls and Rottweilers, making it mandatory for owners to use leashes and muzzles in public spaces. The decision comes as the city is grappling with an alarming average of 35 dog bite cases in the past few weeks ever since a Pitbull mauled a 57-year-old man at Parsik Hill, Belapur on August 5, and the victim had to be hospitalised due to serious injuries to his elbow, knee, and back. The incident prompted the NMMC to address the numerous complaints from residents about dog bites, incidents of dogs chasing people, and concerns about children's safety. Under the civic body's new rules which apply to all dog breeds, pet owners are held responsible for their dogs. The NMMC has said that all pet dogs must be properly vaccinated, and pet owners must carry a scoop to clean up their pet's waste from streets. The NMMC has also made it compulsory for owners of all breeds, particularly powerful ones like Pitbulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, to use a leash with a chain or belt and a properly fitted muzzle. The civic body has warned that violations of these rules will lead to "legal action," including fines. This enforcement drive is supported by the Supreme Court's recent orders and the state government's guidelines which balance animal protection with the responsibility of owners and animal lovers to prevent public danger. The NMMC has stressed that animal lovers must ensure that feeding or caring for animals does not compromise safety. An NMMC official said, "If aggressive dog breeds are let loose on the streets, they can pose a danger to the lives of others. Any person found walking a dog without a muzzle, especially aggressive breeds, will face legal action. Muzzles, leashes, and licences are no longer optional, they are the law." However, the civic body said that muzzles must be used in a way that does not harm the animal. The NMMC has also bolstered its licensing framework. Since 2006, the civic body has been issuing pet dog licences through its divisional offices, and now all applications and renewals must be made online via the official NMMC website. This is part of an integrated approach to track compliance and ensure that all pet dogs are vaccinated, licensed, and kept under control in public spaces....