BMC fines over 120 pet owners for not cleaning dog litter

In only three weeks, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has fined more than 120 people for not cleaning their dog's litter when they take them out for a walk. The civic body had earlier made it mandatory for dog owners to carry litter lifting equipment while taking their pets outdoors.

Early in December, the civic chief, during the authority's monthly review meeting, had directed all assistant commissioners to create awareness among pet owners about carrying a brush or a scoop every time they take their dogs out for a walk. The civic chief had given his subordinates a week's time.

The city administration had also put up banners outside ward offices to educate people on how to register for a dog licence and on keeping the surroundings clean while taking their pet dogs outdoors. Despite civic body's efforts, pet owners were found making their dogs defecate in the open.

As per BMC's solid waste management (SWM) department, until December 22, a total of 124 pet owners were fined for not cleaning their dog's litter. "We have collected a total of Rs 63,000 as fine from the offenders," a civic official said.

The official added that as per the BMC's cleanliness and sanitation bylaws of 2006, a pet owner has to clean his pet's litter or face a fine of Rs 500. "The law does not allow animal faeces to be thrown into public dustbins," the official said.

Maximum violations were seen in Dadar and Mahim, where a total of 22 pet owners were fined. These two places were followed by Walkeshwar, Mahalaxmi and Nana Chowk, where 21 pet owners were fined.

In areas like Colaba, Churchgate and Fort, only eight pet owners were found to be violating the law.

Makrand Narvekar, BJP corporator from Colaba, said that once people get to know where to dump the litter, they will lift it. "The BMC must make provision for bins where pet litter can be dumped," Narvekar said. He added that a notice of motion is already under consideration where 10 per cent area from playgrounds and recreational grounds will be reserved for pets. "If the civic body allows this, why will anyone take their dogs along the roads for a stroll?" Narvekar added.

A senior official from the SWD said that many pet owners bring their pets out for a stroll to public places and allow them to defecate in the open. "This is nothing other than making a place unhealthy and unhygienic," he said.

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Early in Dec, the civic chief had directed all assistant commissioners to create awareness among pet owners about carrying a brush or a scoop every time they take their dogs out for a walk