Gujarat has established guidelines for housing societies regarding pets and stray dogs

The Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) in Gujarat has introduced a new circular to protect the rights of pet parents, people who feed stray dogs, and those who care for animals. The circular instructs housing societies to prevent violence or harassment towards community animals and their caregivers. This initiative marks a notable move towards promoting a caring atmosphere for animals throughout the state.

In Ahmedabad, there have been significant conflicts in residential areas, including instances where landlords refuse to rent homes to pet owners, restrictions on walking pets in gated communities, unfair rules on using shared facilities, and objections to feeding stray animals nearby.

The rules emphasize providing food and care for community animals and encourage residents to avoid any acts of cruelty towards them. They promote using humane methods to manage their populations.

“Societies must adhere to standard operating procedures for sterilization, caretaking and feeding stray animals to create a healthy ecosystem. Establishing designated feeding spots for community animals, considering their population, age groups and nature, with agreement from all stakeholders must be done,” the circulate states. 

Further, it also states that “No animals should be subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering during or after sterilization procedures,”

The decision was made following the RCS office's consideration of inputs from the People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFAPPF). According to their submissions, there have been numerous reports of mistreatment of community animals, especially dogs, and incidents of threats or harassment aimed at those who feed and care for these animals in different housing societies. These conflicts typically involve disagreements between animal caregivers and other residents of cooperative housing or service societies who oppose these compassionate actions.

The decision followed input from the People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFAPPF). They highlighted reports of mistreatment of community animals, especially dogs, and incidents of harassment against caregivers in various housing societies. These conflicts often involve disagreements between animal caregivers and other residents opposing these compassionate efforts.

On the matter, Ankita Sharma, an associate of PFAPPF said “It is high time such rules are framed. This will help the case of citizens seeking legal action against cruelty to animals in filing complaints and getting justice. More awareness drives are needed to protect the interest of caregivers as well,”