International Dog Day: Understanding Your Rights as a Pet Parent in Housing Societies
Know your rights as a pet parent in housing societies, and what you can do to ensure a harmonious coexistence with your furry friends.
International Dog DayPet ParentsHousing SocietiesAnimal WelfarePet RightsReal EstateAug 26, 2024
The Constitution of India grants every citizen the right to choose to live with or without a companion animal via Article 51 (G). It also encourages compassion towards all living creatures. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960, the offences outlined under Section 11 (1) (a) include causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.
Can a housing society ban pets? Under Section 9(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is illegal for housing societies to pass bye-laws that debar pets, even if a majority of residents of the society vote in favour of it. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) guidelines emphasize that even if a majority of residents want it, RWAs and apartment owners associations (AOAs) cannot legally introduce a ban on keeping pet dogs.
Societies cannot prevent pet owners from renting houses either. Additionally, as per AWBI guidelines, pets cannot be debarred by RWAs from using lifts or parks. The pet policy of the Noida Authority makes it compulsory for pet owners to register their pets. It also mandates sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination of pet dogs.
Is dog barking a valid reason for restrictions? Housing societies cannot cite dog barking as a valid or compelling reason for any proposed ban or restrictions. The AWBI's notification also makes it clear that barking is recognized as a natural form of expression for dogs and cannot be used as a reason to ban pets in India.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently issued new guidelines for pet-feeding communities in Bengaluru and stressed that residential welfare associations will be strictly monitored on their attitude towards pet animals. Pets must also be allowed into common areas and lifts with a leash but not a muzzle.
The civic body also plans to place roughly one-inch microchips on free roaming stray dogs in the city to avoid revaccinating the same canines multiple times in a year. A circular issued recently by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) - Gujarat, states that societies must adhere to standard operating procedures for sterilization, caretaking, and feeding stray animals to create a healthy ecosystem.
Establishing designated feeding spots for community animals, considering their population, age groups, and nature, must be done with agreement from all stakeholders. The feeding schedule should also consider the playtime of children and elderly residents in the society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a housing society ban pets?
No, under Section 9(k) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is illegal for housing societies to pass bye-laws that debar pets.
Can pet owners be prevented from renting houses?
No, societies cannot prevent pet owners from renting houses.
Is dog barking a valid reason for restrictions?
No, housing societies cannot cite dog barking as a valid or compelling reason for any proposed ban or restrictions.
What are the guidelines for pet-feeding communities in Bengaluru?
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued new guidelines for pet-feeding communities in Bengaluru, which include allowing pets into common areas and lifts with a leash but not a muzzle.
What is the pet policy of the Noida Authority?
The pet policy of the Noida Authority makes it compulsory for pet owners to register their pets, and mandates sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination of pet dogs.
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