Bengaluru
An internal circular at Mahaveer Apartments in Bengaluru’s Electronic City, Udyannagari, has sparked a heated discussion among the residents. The circular, issued last week, instated several regulations concerning pet ownership within the complex, affecting the lives of over a thousand residents. The circular mandates that residents with pets must submit a deposit of Rs 10,000. Additionally, stringent time restrictions have been imposed, allowing pets to be taken outside only during designated hours: 6 am to 7 am, 1 pm to 2 pm, and 10 pm to 11 pm. Abhishek Aggarwal, the president of the Ittina Mahaveer Apartment Owners Association, defended the new rules, citing their aim to safeguard the well-being of the apartment’s residents. However, this announcement has triggered uproar among various pet owners. Grenold Almeida, a concerned dog owner, expressed worry over the practicality of these rules, particularly the limitations on pets’ outdoor activities, potentially affecting their well-being. Almeida questioned the necessity of the hefty Rs 10,000 deposit, pondering whether exhibiting care and compassion towards pets should come at such a high cost. Disapproving the circular’s demands, Priya Chetty-Rajagopal from the CJ Memorial Trust highlighted that demanding a deposit or penalty for pet ownership is not legally permissible, emphasizing that the referenced registration process needs thorough verification by the BBMP. Chetty-Rajagopal stressed the importance of a constructive dialogue between the apartment committee and the residents to address concerns surrounding pet ownership regulations. She urged pet owners to be considerate by ensuring their pets do not cause disturbances to fellow residents. In response to the backlash, Aggarwal clarified that he would investigate the legality of the circular’s directives, expressing concerns raised by other apartment owners regarding pets’ behavior. He noted that the rules were introduced to maintain a sense of discipline within the complex due to complaints about pet waste. The controversy has sparked a debate regarding the rights and responsibilities of pet owners, prompting calls for a comprehensive discussion between the concerned parties.
