Will people of Bengaluru learn to clean up after their pets after the High Court’s directions?

“While pet owners have the liberty to take their dogs to the parks, the other sections of society who visit the parks have a right to enjoy a clean environment,” the High Court of Karnataka recently observed, while directing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to amend its bylaw to impose higher penalty on dog owners who breach norms in treating and cleaning the excrement of their pets in public parks and precincts across the city.

The direction by the High Court has been taken well by many pet owners, walkers and resident welfare associations. However, they seek strict implementation of penalties in the parks, and as a step forward, rules for pet owners that are applicable beyond parks too.

The directions were issued by the court while disposing of a PIL petition, filed in 2021, by Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, an NGO, seeking directions to authorities to effectively implement Solid Waste Management (SWM) laws and mandating pet owners to carry biodegradable poop bags in parks, etc. The Bench issued directions as the government and the BBMP told the court that pet owners do not follow the guidelines due to which the public outrage for allowing pet dogs in parks, including Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, is high. 

“The luxury of owning dogs may be enjoyed only by strictly observing the guidelines statutorily provided regarding cleanliness and hygiene,” the Bench observed. 

“The authorities taking care of parks, or RWAs at societies and apartments can use the guidelines as a base, have their own fine structure and act as per the guidelines,” said Suralkar Vikas Kishor Special Commissioner of BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department.
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SOMASHEKARA GRN

Not enough staff 

But how soon can the citizens of Bengaluru see action on this front?

Speaking to The Hindu, Suralkar Vikas Kishor, Special Commissioner of BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department, says that guidelines were issued months ago. “We issued a guideline to pet owners, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and dog feeders in July. We issued the guideline as there were many quarrels breaking out at the RWAs level and in parks. In order to clarify what the BBMP’s stand is and what everyone must follow, we issued these guidelines. The authorities taking care of parks, or RWAs at societies and apartments can use the guidelines as a base, have their own fine structure and act as per the guidelines.” he said.  

“The High Court has asked us to mandate it now, and we will work on it. The orders will be implemented on similar lines to our previous guidelines. However, at the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department we have got a very limited number of people. Implementation on the ground will be challenging for us, but we will make sure the guidelines act as deterrence,” Kishor added.  

Need for awareness

Deepika Ramesh, a resident of BTM Layout and a dog owner, said as a responsible dog owner, she completely supports this decision. “It is frustrating to see people leave pet waste in parks. However, many pet owners genuinely don’t know about these rules. Instead of just penalising, the BBMP should focus on awareness campaigns and installing proper signage in parks to educate everyone,” she explained.  

“This is a welcome step, making the rules stricter is a good move. But how will the BBMP enforce it with its limited staff? It’s not practical unless they work with RWAs and park authorities to create a sustainable plan. If implemented properly, these guidelines could help reduce the conflicts between pet owners and others,” said Sharath Gowda, a dog owner and resident of Kathriguppe.  

Aravind N., a frequent walker at Mini Forest in J.P. Nagar, said that the High Court’s directive is justified. “Parks are shared spaces, and it’s only fair that pet owners ensure their dogs don’t disrupt the cleanliness or comfort of others. This step will promote accountability and harmony among park visitors,” he said.

In addition to the guidelines BBMP has issued, BAF has explained them to residents in a simpler language.
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BHAGYA PRAKASH

What RWAs say

Meanwhile, Vikram Rai, the president of Bangalore Apartment’s Federation (BAF) said that the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department has put in clear guidelines that includes clauses regarding cleaning up after their pet. “The latest edition of the guidelines by the BBMP covers most of the pet-related issues and they have been very helpful. The guidelines are aimed at RWAs, pet owners, and feeders, which comprehensively covered everything,” he explained. 

In addition to the guidelines BBMP has issued, BAF has explained them to residents in a simpler language. “We keep track of the complaints we receive from all apartments, since the guidelines have been issued, we have not had any issues regarding pets. In fact, we got quite a few responses from people saying these guidelines are reasonable and workable,” said Vikram.

Stricter rules needed

However, residents from smaller apartment complexes or apartments that do not fall under the BAF feel that stricter rules must be enforced and they should not just be restricted to parks.

“I live in a small apartment complex where many pet owners don’t follow these rules. It becomes a nightmare when people don’t clean up after their pets in shared spaces. Stricter enforcement outside parks is long overdue to ensure basic hygiene and respect for everyone,” said a resident, who preferred to stay anonymous, from an apartment in Marathahalli.  

Many living in smaller apartment complexes complain about there being little monitoring. “Shared spaces like corridors and small play areas often end up dirty, which becomes a health hazard and a reason for conflict among neighbours. It is unfair to those of us who follow the rules and maintain cleanliness. I believe stricter rules and penalties are absolutely necessary to ensure everyone behaves responsibly. This will not only improve hygiene but also reduce the growing tension between pet owners and non-pet owners in our community,” said another resident at an apartment complex in Turahalli.