The Karnataka High Court Is Pushing For Harsh Punishments For People Who Fail To Clean Up After Their Pets In Public Parks

Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Arti Kumari

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) was recently ordered by the Karnataka High Court to change its bylaw in order to levy a “higher penalty” on pet owners who violate cleanliness standards and fail to clean up after their animals when they are in public parks.

According to the High Court, other park users also have a right to a clean environment, even though pet owners are free to walk their dogs there.

A bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and KV Aravind also instructed the Karnataka government and the BBMP to make sure that the Karnataka Parks, Play-fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act of 1985’s provisions are carried out in letter and spirit in an order issued on November 21.

Residents and internet users could rightfully assert that they have been spared from the threat posed by pets, especially those who neglect to keep their surroundings clean in every way. This is the duty of both the dog owners and the local government. Only by closely adhering to the statutory requirements for cleanliness and hygiene may one enjoy the privilege of dog ownership, the High Court said.

The Court made the rulings while allowing a local non-governmental organization to withdraw a public interest litigation (PIL) case that it had submitted in 2021, asking the BBMP to issue an order allowing citizens to bring their pets to Bengaluru’s public parks.

After the BBMP and State authorities argued that the petitioner’s prayer was pointless because the State’s guidelines were already being followed by all resident welfare associations, apartment owners associations, pet owners, and people who feed stray or pet dogs, the petitioner requested permission to withdraw the PIL.

The State could not, the High Court ruled, get away with simply claiming that all criteria were being followed.

The State and BBMP must take concrete measures to maintain the cleanliness of public areas, including parks, the Court said.

Additionally, it stated that the BBMP needs to “address the threat of stray dogs.”

The applicable By-laws will be amended by the BBMP to include the relevant Rule. The rules will also stipulate that anyone who violate them will be subject to penalties. The High Court stated, “The penalty amount for dog owners whose dogs are found to be acting irresponsibly in terms of treating and cleaning their pets’ waste in public park areas shall be higher than the penalty amount imposed on the other class who commit violations of cleanliness standards.

Case Title: CUPA vs State