Photo Source: Louellakillingerdm7651 / Wikimedia Commons

Despite guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in the matter, several housing societies in the city deny pet owners their basic rights.According to the AWBIguidelines, residential societies cannot deny residents from keeping pets, nor can they restrict the use of elevators for the pets.However, the case in some societies in Pune is different.Natasha Asnani, a resident of Forest County in Kharadi, wasn't allowed to use the lift with her pet.However, she fought back. "After months of discussions and arguments, we managed to convince the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) to allow us to use the elevators.All the pet owners from the society got together and fought with the members.Finally, they agreed," she says.But the problem didn't end there. "The society still doesn't allow us to walk the pets in the society premises.The road outside is bad and they get scared of the noises too.But nobody seems to care," she adds.

Jigar Shah, Resident of Forest County, and member FC Adhoc Committee and Residents said, "The dog owners group had issues with some of the rules in the past and they misbehaved with lot of senior citizens a year back when the society had a temporary group of administrators.After that we had rules framed that clearly outlines what are do's and don'ts as far as walking of dogs is concerned in the society.

The rules are

1.Owners of pets should ensure that their pets do not defecate within building/ society premises.

2.It is mandatory to carry poop scoop and a plastic bag every time pet is walked.

3.In case the pet does defecate within society premises, owners must clean up after them.Failure to do so will incur a penalty of ?500 for each incident.


4.Pets must not cause nuisance to other residents by barking, destruction of common property, and the like

5.Owners must ensure that their pet, while outside their premises, is always on a leash and under control so as to avoid untoward incidents causing harm to others. 6.All pet owners are requested to inform at society of?ce about details of the pet's.

All residents are urged to report to the security guard or managers, any pet owners breaking the above rules.Photos, name and ?at number of the violators would be most helpful."

He further added, "We have had issues with stray dogs and even then we have not mistreated them.We in fact appealed to the municipality to help us with the stray dog issue as they are hurting our children and residents.They run after them and cause accidents, some that have led to serious injury for both children and senior citizens.Still we as a society have not taken any action as we are well aware of the guidelines of the animal welfare board."

Disobliging neighbours is the last thing pet owners expect.Not only are there few places to take pets for a stroll, but constant judgment from people is another thing that pet owners have to deal with, all thanks to the insensitive policies adopted by most of the societies in the city.



"Having people who don't like animals is one thing but nowhere have I seen such negativity towards pets.I am looked down upon every time I take my dog out for a walk.Many people act like they are doing me a favour by letting me have a pet in the first place.One of them even asked me to keep my dog in the house if I love him so much," informs Heena Grover, a resident of Bliss Apartments, Undri.

Besides elevators, parks and gardens in society premises are also banned for pets.Even barking and dogs without leashes are said to be a nuisance by some societies. "Our society has three lawns but pets can't be taken for a stroll there.We are not allowed to walk them inside the premises, even on a leash.Whenever my kids take the dog for a walk, my neighbours pick on them," says Ritu Goyal, from Crosswings Society in Baner.

While the law allows citizens to have pets at their homes, Sharmistha Yadav, a resident of Kubera Park, Kondhwa, has been facing a tough time after adopting cats.The neighbours accuse the cats of causing major inconvenience to them, but that's not the case.Sharmistha says, "They are not happy with me feeding the cats in the society premises.I hold a proper feeders' card and also make sure to clean up."