New guidelines issued for pet owners, stray animal care in Mumbai; check details

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC on Thursday issued detailed guidelines for pet owners animal feeders housing societies schools tech parks and other institutions in MumbaiThe newly introduced guidelines are based on Supreme Court orders and various circulars from the Animal Welfare Board of India AWBI including the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 an official BMC statement saidIt said that the new guidelines cover important areas such as feeding street dogs licensing pet dogs responsibilities of societies and handling of animals in public spacesThe rules also aim to reduce conflict between animal lovers and residents and to ensure the wellbeing of both people and street animals in MumbaiThe number of people keeping dogs as household companions is increasing Even the animal lovers activists are showing compassion towards the street dogs by feeding them providing veterinary and other support Conflict may sometimes occur between the pet owners and the caregivers of street dogs on the one hand and Resident Welfare Association RWAs and Apartment Owners Association AOAs on the other hand and hence it is necessary to frame these guidelines the BMC saidMajor points from the new guidelines For Animal feeders and care givers Feeding of street dogs and cats is legal and protected by law Feeders should do so at designated clean spots away from childrenrsquos areas and public pathways Feeding must be hygienic and should not involve raw meat or leftover food Feeders should help with sterilisation and vaccination of the animals Feeding should be done early morning or late evening when public movement is lowFor housing societies RWAs AOAs Societies cannot ban pets or decide pet size Such restrictions go against citizensrsquo fundamental rights Societies should not restrict feeding of street animals but can set feeding times and locations in consultation with residents Animal cruelty harassment of feeders or abandoning pets are punishable offences Societies are encouraged to form Animal Welfare Committees as per ABC Rules 2023Guidelines for pet owners All pet dogs must be registered with the BMC under Section 191B of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act 1888 that provides for granting of license to theowner of a dog or a person in charge of a dog who has paid the taxes levied on such dog Keeping unlicensed dogs is illegal Owners must keep their pets clean vaccinated dewormed and preferably sterilised Dogs must be kept on a leash in public Pet owners must clean up after their pets when they defecate in public places Pets are allowed in lifts and public spaces Societies cannot ban them However alternate lifts may be suggested Aggressive behaviour by pets should be addressed Children under 18 must not walk dogs aloneGuidelines for schools tech parks and public institutions Animals like dogs or cats living in the premises must not be relocated They should be sterilised and vaccinated and returned to the same area Institutions must provide food water and shelter for community animals Staff must be trained to handle animals without cruelty Signs and awareness messages should be placed around campus to educate people on coexisting with animalsFor any complaints licensing issues or information related to animal care the public can contact the BMC Dog Control Unit through the helpline number 9635839888 The complaints can also be written on the website httpsvhdmcgmgovin