New Delhi: The Ittina Mahavir apartment complex in Electronics City, housing more than 1,000 residents, recently issued an internal communication, requiring pet owners to submit a deposit of Rs 10,000. Additionally, the notice outlined specific time restrictions for walking pets: 6-7 a.m., 1-2 p.m., and 10-11 p.m.
As per the notice, pet owners must obtain a license and register their pets. Abhishek Agarwal, the president of the Ittina Mahavir Apartment Owners’ Association, stated that this measure was implemented to ensure the well-being of other residents.
The internal memo has gone viral across various pet lover groups, sparking frustration among many. Grenold Almeida, a dog owner not residing in the complex, expressed incredulity, stating, “Seriously???? Is this for real? Woe befalls the dog owner but greater woe befalls the dog that would need a bio-break between 0700 to 1300 and then between 1400 to 2200.
Kindness always costs but now bringing a wounded stray over to care for would mean Rs 10000 more just to register it?? Be damned if it’d be a bitch that litters (pups)!!! Kindness is an expensive virtue. And all this in the interest of a “harmonious living environment”? Wonder why I can’t see it?’’
Priya Chetty-Rajagopal from CJ Memorial Trust said, “Imposing a pet deposit is not legally permissible. Regardless of how politely the circular is phrased, they cannot enforce a deposit, penalty, or pet license, as it has not been approved by the BBMP. Additionally, the legitimacy of the referenced registration form requires verification.”