Gujarat sets rules for housing societies for pets and stray dogs

In a bid to resolve the growing conflict between pet parents, stray dog feeders, animal caregivers, and other residents, a recent circular by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) - Gujarat asks housing societies to abstain from violence towards community animals and cease harassing animal caregivers.

This initiative is expected to offer major relief to pet parents, stray dog feeders, and animal lovers who have faced numerous challenges.

Ahmedabad alone has seen major conflicts and scuffles within residential colonies, such as pet owners being denied homes on rent, prohibiting walking pets within gated societies, discriminatory rules regarding use of common facilities and feeding stray animals in the neighbourhood, among others.

The rules stress provision of nutrition and care for community animals and urge residents to refrain from any acts of cruelty towards them, promoting 'humane methods for managing their populations'.

RCS also directed RWAs and AOAs to ensure delineated responsibilities for the humane and scientific management of community animal populations.

The decision came after the RCS office took cognizance of submissions from the People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFAPPF).