#NotWithoutMyDog: Pet parents protest, slam BBMP

Bengaluru: Hundreds of pet lovers gathered at Cubbon Park on Sunday and expressed solidarity by registering strong opposition to the recent pet rule, which puts a cap on the number of dogs one can have at their homes or flats and a cap on the breed.

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, CXO Search Consultant and an activist, said, "This is the show of solidarity for the campaign #NotWithoutMyDog. All of us love our dogs and the recent bye-laws introduced by the BBMP is a cause for concern. There are people who have adopted many abandoned dogs. If the notification comes into effect in its present form, then it will be disastrous as many pet lovers would be forced to leave their loved ones."

She said the only relief as of now is the assurance given to the animal lovers by Mayor Sampath Raj that BBMP shall implement the law after a public consultation and making necessary changes.

Bengaluru's tree doctor Vijay Nishanth, who took part in the protest, came live on Facebook and stated that BBMP should not be deciding which breed a pet lover should have and how many pets.

Pet lovers who had gathered there were firm that if the notification is not being amended, they do not mind approaching the court to get justice.

They further demanded that BBMP should first implement its Animal Birth Control Program effectively and manage the population of the stray dogs.