July 29, 2024: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced new guidelines for Bangalore’s Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and apartment owners to address the management of community animals. This comprehensive set of rules aims to protect pet owners from being forced to abandon their pets or adhere to unreasonable restrictions, following numerous complaints from pet owners and caretakers.
Bangalore’s pet owners have faced various challenges and odd requests from landlords and RWAs, ranging from hefty non-refundable deposits to limitations on pet movement within residential areas. However, the recent BBMP guidelines mark a significant shift in favour of pet owners.
According to the new guidelines, RWAs and apartment owners cannot ban pets from housing societies, common areas or lifts, provided the pets are on a leash. All citizens have an equal right to care for the environment and choose pets of their choice. The civic body stated that RWAs would be closely monitored for their treatment of pet animals, ensuring that their bylaws do not harm the existence of animals within the housing society. Additionally, actions such as chasing away dogs with sticks will be deemed illegal, and tech parks, public gardens and similar establishments must monitor how pets are treated on their premises.
BBMP has also issued some guidelines for feeding community animals:
- Feeding stray dogs should avoid meat and sugary biscuits, as these can make them hyperactive.
- Feeding times should be restricted to between 11 PM and 5 AM.
- Consistent feeding is recommended to prevent aggressive behaviour in animals.
- In densely populated areas, feeding should be avoided.
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