Having dogs is a privilege that requires responsibility: Karnataka High Court urges stricter fines for cleanliness issues in public parks.

The Karnataka High Court directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to update its bylaws to increase fines for pet owners who do not follow cleanliness rules, especially those who neglect to clean up after their pets in public parks. The Court noted that while pet owners can walk their dogs in parks, it is also crucial for other visitors to have a clean space. This ruling came as the Court allowed a local NGO, CUPA, to withdraw a public interest litigation (PIL) it had submitted in 2021, which aimed to permit residents to take their pets to public parks in Bengaluru.

A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind, stressed the importance of the BBMP and the state government enforcing the Karnataka Parks, Play-fields, and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1985. The Court stated, “Citizens and netizens have the right to be protected from pet-related issues, especially from those who do not maintain cleanliness. The responsibility lies with dog owners and civic authorities. The privilege of dog ownership comes with the obligation to follow cleanliness and hygiene guidelines.”

The Court pointed out that the petitioner’s request was no longer relevant because the BBMP and state authorities had already begun to follow the state-issued guidelines for pet owners, residents’ welfare associations, and those who feed stray or pet dogs. Although the state claimed that the guidelines were being adhered to, the High Court emphasized that the government could not depend only on these claims. It called on the state and the BBMP to take more effective steps to keep public areas, like parks, clean. The Court also stated, “The BBMP must change the relevant By-laws to include the appropriate Rule. The Rules should also allow for penalties against those who violate them. The penalty for dog owners, or their dogs, found to be irresponsible in managing and cleaning up after their pets in public parks should be higher than for others who breach cleanliness standards.”

Cause Title: M/S Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) v. State of Karnataka & Anr.,[2024:KHC:47819-DB]
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocates Anjan Vartak and Alwyn Sebastion
Respondents: AGA Niloufer Akbar, Advocate SH Prashanth