#NotWithoutMyDog; BBMP to discuss new pet dog licensing by-laws

BENGALURU: The BBMP’s recently notified pet dog licensing by-laws have received serious backlash from citizens, especially on social media, with the #NotWithoutMyDog going viral.
As per the new rules which were notified on Monday, dog owners will have to get a licence consisting of a radio collar with an embedded chip, whose installation cost has to be borne by the owner. A pet parent will have to cough up a fine of Rs 1,000 if the dog has no licence.Residents of a flat can have only one pet dog, while those staying in an individual house can have three.
Pet parents and animal activists have strongly objected to the palikes attempt at capping the number of pet dogs they can own, and have demanded that it take action against illegal breeders instead of pet owners. They also say that the restriction of breeds should be done on the basis of suitability to the Indian climate and living conditions, and that representatives from NGO’s and citizen groups should be consulted when regulations like these are drafted.
In retaliation, they have been taking to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in droves, posting pictures of their pets and memes to the BBMP Commissioner and Mayor in a bid to have the law repealed. A #NotWithoutMyDog tweetathon also kicked off at 6pm on Wednesday.
Additionally, an online petition titled ‘BBMP, why punish responsible pet owners instead of backyard breeders?’ was signed by almost 9,000 people in less than two days.
Following a meeting with pet owners and animal rights activists, Mayor Sampath Raj said that he would further discuss the controversial pet dog licensing by-laws during the council meeting and with the Commissioner and joint-director of the animal husbandry department.
“Those living in apartment complexes own more than one dog, and I am told that they are treated like members of the family, and to be asked to abandon a dog, is like being asked to give away a son or daughter. I have been told that most of the second or third adoptions are of street dogs, which are not being properly maintained by the BBMP. I would like to tell apartment associations, that we will be withholding these regulations, till the council meeting on June 16, where the matter will be discussed. Till we take a final decision, let the status quo remain on the same” said Raj.