Things Pet Owners Should Know as Tenants

Pet ownership in India is undergoing a steady rise. According to an article on Business Today,

An average of 6 Lakh pets are adopted every year, around 80% of them being dogs, followed by cats and smaller animals such as fishes and birds.

Owning a pet is proven to have numerous benefits to human beings, including improved immune system, better mental and physical health, healthier psychological development in kids etc. There are a lot of things you should keep in mind to ensure that there is no discomfort to yourself or the people around you when you own a pet, especially if you are living in a housing society or looking for rental accommodation.

Pet owners are often found to face judgement by their landlords or neighbours, mainly due to phobias or general dislike of some people towards being near animals. For these reasons, they also find it difficult to find rental accommodations. Both pet owners and others should do their part in making the community a safe place for animals and humans. Tenants must be aware of their rights and duties in the community as pet owners.

Responsibilities of Pet Owners

The following things must be done by the pet owners to ensure that no problems or discomfort arises in the community due to their animals.

1. Go through the by-laws presented by the Resident’s Welfare Association or the owner before you move in to avoid conflicts.
2. Keep the pet clean and well-groomed.
3. Keep their vaccinations and medications (if any) regular and updated. For cats, Anti-Rabies and Feligen/TriCat must be renewed every year. Dogs must be vaccinated with Anti-Rabies, DHLPPi, and KC vaccines every year.
4. Train them from a young age for proper behaviour to avoid mishaps and injuries.
5. Help them get familiar with the place and the people living nearby so that they are comfortable and don’t harm anyone.
6. Never leave your pet at home alone. Instead, choose daycare options and ensure constant supervision.
7. Keep dogs on a leash while outside.
8. Ensure that they do not fight with other animals.
9. Toilet train your pets. Clean up after them in case they excrete in the compound. Also, make sure there is no leftover food lying around outside after they eat.
10. Take them out for playtime and exercise and feed them on time so that they don’t get aggressive or agitated.

Also read: Pet Friendly Homes

Pet Laws in India and the Rights of Pet Owners

Most people in India prefer dogs as pets and they require more attention and activity as compared to other animals. While the population of pet cats are also quite high, they are pretty independent animals and require much less attention. The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued a clear set of by-laws for pet dogs which both the pet owner and the management of housing should be aware of.

The by-laws are as follows:

1. No resident’s association can deny a tenant the right to own pets, even if the majority of the tenants agree to it.
2. No discrimination can be made on the size or breed of the animal.
3. Complaints regarding a dog’s barking cannot be used as a reason to ban them. Pet owners are advised to do what is possible to make the situation better.
4. Any cruelty towards animals is illegal under the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It is also a punishable offence under Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian penal code. No rule shall be passed by the Resident’s Welfare Association to harm the animals in any way.
5. Any pet owner abiding by municipal laws has the right to stay in the community.
6. Pets cannot be denied entry to elevators, parks and other common facilities. The RWA is advised to set aside a specific time for the animals to use the parks.
7. Negligent pet owners may be fined if their actions cause harm or discomfort to others.
8. The management cannot impose a fine if the pets excrete in common areas, but the pet owners must take responsibility and clean up.
9. The management is advised to keep track of vaccination and sterilisation records and designate defecation spots for the animals.

In Summary

It is highly recommended that you are well aware of the by-laws for the apartment that you want before you move in. If you or your pet is denied your rights, or there is a definite violation of the law from the side of the management or other tenants, you can let the RWA know about the circular issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India.

You can also advise the management to ensure the rights of the pets and pet owners when they frame their by-laws. A community of pet owners could be formed to share and solve their issues. Consult legal help in case of serious problems.

Please leave this field empty

Subscribe To Our Newsletters

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.