You are finally settled at home, with your cute little creature by your side. You have been enjoying love and companionship, but things are never as they seem in India. You must have received complaints from the neighbours, and some of them even attempt to harass you with vague threats of taking away your pet.
Circumstances such as these, are unfortunately quite commonplace in the country. Depending on the area, pet owners can get persecuted at varying degrees, and it is not unusual if things turn violent.
While the outlook on pet ownership appears to be improving, it is happening at a glacial pace, and you, as a pet owner, need to know your rights. All of the guidelines mentioned in this post follow the circular regarding pets, released in 2015 by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
- Your Resident Welfare Association (RWA) cannot ban any tenants from owning any pets.
Even if a large chunk of residents might be opposed to it, you legally have no obligation to get rid of your pets. The association isn’t even allowed to make up edicts that can ban your furry and you have every right to animal companionship. And if you have a dog, remember that ‘barking’ is not a valid excuse for banning your pooch.
Neither your RWA nor anyone else is not allowed to intimidate you into abandoning your dog. Suppose they manage to succeed in intimidating you through violent methods or otherwise. In that case, you have a right to involve law enforcement as intimidation in itself is a flagrant violation of Indian law.
Keep in mind that these laws protect your right to have an animal companion, but there are specific duties that come with these rights. MyFurries has created a list that will help you, a law-abiding citizen, perform your civic duty and make sure that you are free from intimidation and harassment.
- Even though fines can’t be imposed on natural processes such as defecation or urination, the circular still urges you to scoop the poop. Frankly, this is just common courtesy; the country does not need more filth to accumulate in the streets. Don’t be one of those careless owners who leave animal faeces on the road, only for some unfortunate pedestrian to step in it and ruin their shoes. For your residence, discuss with your RWA and find a suitable solution for disposing of excrement.
- While barking is not a valid reason for banning a dog, do try your hardest to ensure that your dog is not excessively noisy, and keep the barking to a minimum at night. Keep note of what is reasonable behaviour for your pets. Make sure your pet, scale or fur, is not being a nuisance in your residence. Remember, antagonizing your neighbours with a raucous animal is just abating the progress made in animal companion acceptance.
- Leash your dog in public places. This is merely to protect the people around you, granting them the comfort of feeling safe, and doing so also saves your dog from getting run over in the streets.
- Sterilizing your dog is highly advisable, as there is a surplus of dogs in the country. But you must ensure that your pet is up to date with the necessary vaccinations and medical procedures, for its health and others around. No one wants to smell the reek of an unclean animal, so make sure that it is appropriately bathed, according to its species and breed.
Here are some animal welfare helplines that will provide legal assistance for both you and your pet:
- Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation
- +91-44-46274999 / +91-44-71819575 – Blue Cross of India.
- 98201 22602 – PETA India.
The goal of these guidelines is to protect the owner and open up a way for discourse regarding animal companionship in India. Many of them may oppose the idea of having a pet in a modern residence, so knowing these laws will allow you to care for your pet confidently.
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