BMC Issues New Guidelines for Pet Owners, Animal Feeders and Housing Societies in Mumbai

Rules aim to reduce conflict and ensure safety and well-being of both residents and animals

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating pet ownership, street animal care, and the responsibilities of housing societies and institutions in Mumbai. The new rules, announced on Thursday, are designed to minimise disputes between residents and animal caregivers while promoting humane treatment of animals.

The guidelines are based on directives from the Supreme Court, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The BMC has stated that these rules are essential due to the rising number of pet owners in the city and the increasing involvement of animal lovers in feeding and caring for street animals.

Registration of Pet Dogs Now Mandatory

All pet dogs in Mumbai must now be registered with the BMC under Section 191B of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. Keeping unlicensed dogs is illegal. Owners are also expected to keep their pets clean, vaccinated, dewormed, and preferably sterilised. Dogs must be leashed in public and their waste must be cleaned up immediately. Children below 18 years of age are not allowed to walk dogs alone in public spaces.

Societies Cannot Ban Pets or Feeders

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) are prohibited from banning pets or restricting their use of lifts or public areas. While they may suggest alternate lifts, they cannot deny access. Similarly, feeding street animals is legally protected, though societies can set reasonable time and location norms in consultation with residents. Harassing feeders or engaging in cruelty towards animals will be treated as a punishable offence.

The BMC has encouraged societies to establish Animal Welfare Committees to help resolve conflicts and monitor feeding and sterilisation in accordance with the ABC Rules 2023.

Guidelines for Animal Feeders

Street animal feeders must feed only in clean, designated spots away from children’s play areas and high-traffic zones. Feeding should be done during hours of low public movement, early morning or late evening and must not involve raw meat or unhygienic leftovers. Feeders are also expected to help with sterilisation and vaccination efforts for the animals they care for.

For Institutions like Schools and Tech Parks

Schools, IT parks, and other public institutions have also been included in the guidelines. Animals residing on their premises must not be relocated. Instead, they should be sterilised, vaccinated, and returned to their territory. Institutions are required to provide food, water, and shelter, and staff must be trained in humane animal handling. Awareness posters should be displayed to promote peaceful coexistence with animals.

Reporting and Support

The BMC has made provisions for the public to report complaints or seek information related to licensing and animal care. Citizens can reach out to the BMC Dog Control Unit at the helpline number 9635839888, or file complaints online at: https://vhd.mcgm.gov.in

The civic body stated that these measures have been implemented to ensure the rights of pet owners and animal lovers are protected while maintaining public hygiene and safety. The initiative marks a structured step towards harmonious living in one of the country’s busiest metropolitan cities.