The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, or Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation, has issued guidelines for the care of pets and stray animals, finally ending the abuse of position and power by the tinpot dictators of residents’ welfare associations, commonly referred to as RWAs, local newspapers reported. Under the guidelines, these ‘welfare’ associations, usually dominated by people who are derisively referred to by progressive citizens and younger generations as WhatsApp uncles, have been told to ensure that their bye-laws do not harm or cause discomfort to domestic animals or run counter to the country’s animal welfare laws, effectively ending their high-handedness.
They have been advised to permit pets in common areas and lifts with leashes and to not mandate the use of muzzles. “Associations cannot ban pets within their premises,” the guidelines state, according to a report in the Deccan Herald newspaper. All citizens have equal rights to care for the environment and choose pets of their preference.”
Pet owners, in turn, are urged to act responsibly and keep their pets clean, well-groomed, dewormed, vaccinated, and neutered.
The guidelines have been issued after repeated complaints from animal lovers and pet owners about the whimsical rules issued by welfare associations in housing colonies and by landlords, which ignore the country’s animal welfare legislation and include illegalities such as forcing pet owners to pay non-refundable deposits to be allowed to keep pets, The Times of India reported.
The municipal corporation’s rules also cover feeding of community animals in public spaces. Citizens are encouraged to feed animals only if they can do so consistently, because interruptions in feeding can lead to restlessness and aggression in dogs and cats.
The guidelines state that feeding should not be done after 11.30 pm or before 5 am. They also advise against giving community animals raw meat and sugary biscuits, saying these can make them hyperactive. Animal lovers should also avoid feeding during times of high public density to prevent aggressive behaviour, particularly by dogs.
The corporation’s guidelines also curb the high-handedness of authorities at public institutions, educational facilities, technology parks, and similar establishments. They have been advised against instructing security personnel to use sticks to chase away dogs and cats, as such actions are illegal.
These entities have also been told to designate feeding spots and times to support feeding by their students, employees, and concerned citizens.
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Sandy Pawpaw
Sandy Pawpaw is a fierce advocate of unleashing the animal in, and with, you.