Mumbai: 462 pet owners fined for not cleaning poop, Rs 2.3 lakh collected

Residents of Parel and Matunga have made a reputation that they would not really be proud of. The Solid Waste Management (SWM) department of the civic body has fined around 149 pet owners for littering public places while they take out their pets for a stroll.

The BMC has continued it's drive against pet owners who litter public places despite warning. Since releasing the circular to impose fine for littering by pets, the civic body has already collected over Rs 2.3 lakh fines from pet owners. So far, till February the BMC has already fined 462 pet owners across the city. Furthermore, the civic body has also made it mandatory for dog owners to carry poop lifter equipment while taking their pets for a stroll.

Meanwhile, the civic administration also put up a banner outside ward offices to educate people on how to file registration for dog license and maintain cleanliness while taking pet dogs out for a stroll. Civic official spoke to clearly state that as per BMC's cleanliness and sanitation bylaws of 2006, a pet owner has to clean his pet's poop or face a fine of Rs 500.

After Parel and Matunga, residents of Andheri, Mahalaxmi and Nana Chowk were found violating the civic law. Surprisingly, there is not a single violator in Chembur area.

Some corporators are demanding exclusive pet walking spaces to take care of the problem. "BMC must make provision for the clean disposal of dog poop. I have moved a motion urging a portion of recreational grounds be reserved for pets," said Makarand Narvekar, BJP Corporator from Colaba.