Bangalore’s rules for pets, strays curb RWA high-handedness

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...

Karnataka High Court quashes ban on ‘dangerous’ dog breeds

The Karnataka High Court struck down on Wednesday the central government notification of March 12 asking the governments of states and Union territories to ensure that no permission is given to breed, keep or sell dog breeds considered “dangerous for human life”. The list of ‘banned’ dogs included popular varieties such as the American pit bull terrier, which is not recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club, and breeds such as the...

Water scarcity drives monkeys around Bangalore to raid local homes

Just days after the Karnataka government admitted that state capital Bangalore is facing an unprecedented water crisis, a new problem confronts residents on the city’s ever expanding outskirts. Just like humans, monkeys in these areas are struggling for water, too. With the summer heat intensifying, the animals have taken to raiding homes in residential buildings. According to a report on the news18.com website, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, or Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation, has been...

2 southern states join hands to tackle human-animal conflict

It seems that at least some of our politicians have the ability to set aside differences and work together for the betterment of humans and animals. Yes, you read that right. To counter the rising trend of human beings being attacked by wild animals in the forests straddling Karnataka and Kerala, the forest departments of the two southern states have agreed to work together to mitigate the challenges posed by wild animals entering human settlements,...