BBMP vs the dog'ma': The ABCs of puppy love

The resurgence of the BBMP's contentious canine by-laws has caused pet lovers to rise up in a collective snarl. The Palike has decided, based on 'report findings' to cap the number of dogs to one per apartment and three per house, make licensing a must and cleaning dog-pop mandatory. The bye-laws, backed by various Resident Welfare Associations, include release a list of 64-approved breeds, on which the much-loved, much-pampered 'streetie' does not figure. Without shelters to house the 'excess' population and impounding on the horizon, dog-parents, as they are called, say they will stop at nothing to ensure the rule isn't implemented, reports Aknisree Karthik

“Paw before law,” “Not without my dog”: The BBMP’s latest move to cap the number of dogs kept in houses has reduced city’s substantial population of ‘dog parents’ rise up in a collective snarl. Words like ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘draconian’ are doing the rounds on social media, which is rife with pictures of their helpless canines, along with captions like, “Which one should I choose?” The BBMP, which is re-issuing these contentious guidelines formed back in 2013, has said capped the numbers to one per apartment and three per house. It has also released a list of 64 ‘approved’ breeds and the ‘indie’, the now-pampered ‘streetie’ has not made the cut.

What happens to these dogs, demand animal activists. Where will they go? The BBMP’s ominous silence as far as shelters are concerned leaves room for one conclusion only: culling. Will these dogs be impounded and euthanised? These contentious guidelines were first released in 2013 and then again in 2017. Both times, they met with unceremonious rejection at the hands of the Animal Welfare Board of India and a cacophony of public outrage. “Why punish responsible pet owners instead of backyard breeders” says an online petition on change.org, that has already garnered some 8000 signatures.

According to Santosh Rajashekar, honorary trustee, Compassion unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), “We are from the land of Lord Dattatreya where dogs even now can be taken into the temples for worship - that is the importance we give to animals. They are considered on par with our children, sharing their surnames.” Pausing to quote Mahatma Gandhi (The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated), Mr Santosh says, “BBMP Bye Laws cannot override the Indian constitution. As per Article 51A(G), it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.”

The Animal Welfare Board of India says that ‘If at all any association succeeds in intimidating a pet owner into ‘giving up’ or ‘abandoning’ a pet, it will have abetted a violation of the law and may well be aggravating the menace of ownerless animals on the street. They are not accustomed to living on the streets, whcih results in injuries and death. The association will be guilty of criminal intimidation. This is an offence.”

Instead of taking measures against breeders, who allow great levels of animal cruelty, BBMP has formulated a draconian law, SMr Santosh says. “We do not have anything against licensing. After all, BBMP should know the total number of pets to track down an owner who has abandoned one and so on. However, they should not restrict the number of dogs.”

Gone are the days when people used to buy pets, Mr Santosh opines. “Most people tend to adopt and we have about 50 adopted each month. Also, BBMP says extra pets can be given to friends or neighbours. Who will be willing to choose one family member over another,” he questions.

The BBMP intends to find errant pet owners on a daily  basis until the license is procured.  “Does the BBMP pay its citzens if it fails to fill potholes in time,” he demands.

The BBMP’s Animal Birth Control is a mess. Earlier, there were some seven or eight NGOs with dedicated teams and experienced veterinarians working with the BBMP on the ABc and Anti-Rabies Vaccination programme. However, most of them were forced to opt out of the programme after the civic body failed to release funds.

According to the BBMP, the dedcision was taken after a report from the expert committee which had Animal Husbandry Director, the Dean of the Veterinary College, Joint Director, BBMP and the BBMP ANimal Husbandry Wing. There were no representatives from animal welfare groups and citizens.

Mr Santosh says CUPA will go to court. Mandy Vasudevan, an a nimal welfare worker associated with Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre, said firmly that these guideliness will not be implemented. Mandy, who lives in a flat and owns two rescues, said citizens should join hands and raise their voices for the voiceness and join the fight by tweting the BBMP and the Mayor.