laws on keeping pets

Laws and Regulations for Keeping Pets in a Society

Pets are lovely life companions. Having a pet at home can keep stress at bay. But if you are staying in an apartment, it’s important that you know the rules and regulations that typically might be imposed by apartment owners or societies.

So, what are these rules? Section 11 (3) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, states that it is illegal for housing societies to pass resolutions disallowing pets. Also, according to Article 51 A (g) of the Indian Constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to behave compassionately towards living creatures and animals.

Now, that’s the law. But not many are aware of the law, and therefore, you will find situations where you may have to fight for your rights.

(Read more: 5 Pets That Are Best for Apartment Living)

Know your pets’ rights

As per the guidelines by Animal Welfare Board of India, banning pets is equivalent to direct intrusion with the fundamental independence guaranteed to all citizens as per the Indian constitution.

Your housing society cannot:

•    Ban pets even if it is added in the societies’ bylaws

•    Insist on the size of the pet

•    Use complaints of the  ‘dog barking’ as a valid reason to enforce a ban

•    Restrict use of parks or elevators

•    Ask you to use leashes or muzzles on your pet

Use of lifts

The law clearly states that pets cannot be banned from using lifts. Additionally, RWAs cannot introduce any modifications in this regard. Having said this, it is essential for you to teach lift etiquette to your pets so as to not cause inconvenience to others.

Use of parks

Most of the housing societies have dedicated hours for the usage of parks. Make sure to stick to the time.

Also, always remember that cleanliness is the first rule. Do clean up after your pet! This usually tends to become the major bone of contention for many residents in the apartment society.

Use of leashes/chains/muzzles

Giving freedom to pets is important but not outside your home. Unleashing a pet outside can result in problems. No matter how well-trained your pet is, never forget that animals can be unpredictable. Hence, it is in the best interest of you and others to keep your canine or feline pets leashed.

7 Comments

  1. Well, rights of pets and their owners is fine, what are the duties or responsibilities of the pet owners?
    -What if they don’t lift the poop?
    -what is their responsibility towards timely administration of inoculations /vaccinations and producing the certificates to the Society?
    -what if the pet is not leashed and it bites any person? Who will be responsible for bearing cost of treatment?
    -Is it mandatory for the pet owner to seek permission of the society to keep pets and agree to adhere basic norms of keeping pets in the Society?

    1. Owner of a pet is completely responsible for his/ her pet.
      In cases where people jus can’t see and if he smells also they think he is pooping is wrong.

      In case of society where human take permission to stay and do whatever I’m sure it is is required for pets as well. Where as I feel when it is your home it’s your wish what u do …

      1. My society chairman, told me our society is pet free society, I can’t have pet in my house, I have cat Pet, they took it and dropped it at isolated place where there is no water and food, after 2 days society manager and house keeping staff agreed to come with me where they kept my cat, since two days my cat was without food and water, any how i managed to pick my cat from same place. now i was to file complaint to animal welfare, how i can do this.

  2. In sra building pet dogs are allowed legally if allowed what is the rules regulation terms and conditions for this such case can you hlp me i have a pet dog that is very small about 3 months but our society said that dog is not allowed iif there is any way such bmc permission or doctor certificate i am ready to take all this things but it’s any law to have a pet dogs with us

  3. Hi m in society in Jaipur ..I HV one pet dog ..he is very calm baby n he bark on genuine reason in morning time but person stays in front of my house disturbs me n complaint about him unnecessary..Thnks

  4. We live on 3rd floor, there are three dogs which are owned by a flat which is on 1st floor. 1)The problem is that these dogs urinate and pop in front of our flat every day.
    2) As we take music classes and relatives visit our home every day these dogs Bark and do not allow them to come on 3rd floor.
    3) Day night they Bark and disturb whole society.

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