In all major cities in India, apartment complexes are being put up at a very high rate. This is driven by high demand. As more people move into apartments pet owners who live in these apartments are facing new challenges.
It is, therefore, important that pet owners understand their rights as well as obligations in order to maintain good relations with their neighbours. Below is how you can keep your pet in your apartment without getting in trouble.
As a pet owner, basic courtesy is what you are expected to accord your neighbours. Whenever you are in a common area you are expected to keep your pet on a leash and immediately clean up after the animal in the event that it soils in any of these areas. In buildings where there is a designated elevator to be used by animals, pet owners are expected to use the designated area as an extension of their courtesy.
Moreover, you are expected to ensure that your pet is registered (where applicable) and always have your pet in the best health condition possible. Ensure that your best friend is bathed regularly, has received all necessary vaccinations and is dewormed regularly. To prevent your pet from scavenging in the common places, always ensure that he/she is well fed.
As you exercise your responsibilities, pet owners are protected from any form of discrimination or oppression on the basis of their love for animals by the law. It is not uncommon for pet owners to report instances where they have received notices from estate associations or building management banning their stay at the premises.
It should be clear to your neighbours as well as building management that such notices are taken as harassment which is unlawful and tantamount to restricting the rights of other citizens. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, (1960) Section 11, declares such action as an offence. To affirm this, the high court has on more than one occasion ruled against such kind of harassment to the favour of pet owners.
In the eyes of the law, pets are taken as akin to children and their owners assume the role of guardians. Therefore as they exercise their responsibilities to ensure there is harmony with other residents, pet owners should not be subjected to any form of discrimination or harassment on account of their companions.
