Bengaluru landlords and associations cannot ban residents from having pets — here’s what the BBMP guidelines say

Bengaluru's pet owners have long faced challenges and odd requests from landlords and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). From hefty non-refundable deposits to restrictions on pet movement within residential areas, the city's pet-owning residents have had to navigate a complex web of regulations. However, a recent set of guidelines issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) marks a significant shift in favour of pet owners.

In response to mounting complaints from pet owners and caretakers, the BBMP introduced comprehensive guidelines for RWAs and apartment owners. These guidelines aim to address the management of community animals and protect pet owners from being forced to abandon their pets or comply with unreasonable restrictions.

Key points from the BBMP's guidelines include:

No bans on pets: RWAs and apartment owners are prohibited from banning pets within residential layouts, common areas, or lifts, provided they are on a leash. All citizens have an equal right to care for the environment and choose pets of their choice.

Feeding community animals: Public institutions, educational facilities, tech parks, and similar establishments must arrange food and drinking water for street animals, placing them in safe locations on their premises.

Scheduled pet walks: Associations must set schedules for pet walking in the mornings and evenings and report any unauthorised breeding centres to BBMP.

Humane Treatment of Animals: Institutions are advised against using sticks or security personnel to chase away dogs and cats, as such actions are illegal.
To ensure the welfare of community animals and manage public safety, BBMP has also introduced rules for feeding animals in public spaces. Highlights include:

• No feeding between 11:30 PM and 5 AM
• Discouraging raw meat and sugary biscuits to prevent hyperactivity in dogs.
• Consistent feeding schedules to prevent restlessness and aggression.
• Prohibition of leftover food on curbside to avoid rodent problems.
• Avoiding feeding during high public density times to prevent aggressive behaviour.

The movement to protect pet owners' rights in Bengaluru gained significant momentum with a Change.org petition started in 2017, which has since garnered over 40,000 signatures. The petition called for strict action against resident apartment associations that imposed bans on pets, highlighting the need for official intervention and standardised guidelines.
The new BBMP guidelines are a significant step forward in ensuring that pet owners in Bengaluru are treated fairly and that community animals are cared for humanely. By setting clear rules and protecting the rights of pet owners, the BBMP aims to create a more pet-friendly city where residents and animals can coexist harmoniously.