Essential Pet Rules in Indian Housing Societies Every Pet Owner Should Know
Pet Rules in Indian Housing Societies: What Every Owner Must Know
Article 51A(g), Indian Constitution: It is the duty of every citizen to have compassion for all living creatures.
A pet is the only soul who waits at the door every day like you've been gone forever, who loves you even on your worst days, and whose goodbye is the kind of pain that never really leaves your heart.
However, their presence can sometimes be harmful or cause inconvenience. To address this, housing societies implement rules and regulations to manage their presence in an orderly manner.
Although, if you have an independent house, you don’t have to worry about anything while keeping a pet, but as soon as they get into a housing society, numerous rules and regulations surround them and their owners.
Today, in this blog, we will talk about such rules and regulations regarding pet animals if you live in a housing society and their impact on your ownership.
Role of Animal Welfare Board of India?
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was set up in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It advises the government on animal welfare and works to stop cruelty to animals. Its main goal is to protect animals from pain and promote their care and well-being.
Pet rules in housing society
AWBI Guidelines
As per AWBI, a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) cannot ban pets in a housing society even with a majority decision unless it becomes harmful to the society or breaks any municipality rule. Banning pets without a strong basis is considered a violation of fundamental rights and AWBI guidelines.
Other Important rules
• No ban on any dog breed by society.
• No fines or eviction for keeping pets.
• Pets allowed in lifts and all common areas.
• Society can ask to clean or use leash.
• Barking is normal, not a punishable issue.
• No penalty if pet is not registered.
• Pet registration is advised, not mandatory
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
Societies also cannot restrict ownership of any specific breed unless banned by law (e.g., exotic/wildlife protected under the Wildlife Protection Act). Under Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal is considered an offence. According to legal experts, this includes actions such as beating, kicking, overriding, overdriving, overloading, or otherwise torturing an animal.
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
As per Section 428 of the BNS, punishment for mischief by killing or maiming animals valued at 10 or more has been outlined. Subsequently, section 429 outlines, mischief by killing or maiming cattle or animals valued at 50 or more.
Legal Resources for pet owners if harassed
If harassed by RWAs or neighbors:
File a complaint with:
• Animal Welfare Board of India
• Local police station (IPC sections 428/429)
• Municipal authorities
• Consumer Forum
• Civil Court
• Human Rights Commission
Owners responsibility while keeping a pet in a housing society
• Clean up after pets in all public areas.
• Always use leash in lifts and parks.
• Keep pets vaccinated and registered if needed.
• Don’t let pets harm or disturb anyone
Societies can
• Make pet-friendly rules for walking and waste.
• Suggest leash or muzzle for big dogs.
Societies Cannot
• Ban pets from staying in the flat.
• Fine for barking or using the lift.
• Refuse rent or sale to pet owners.
How many pets do most apartments allow?
Most societies allow up to two pets, but it’s not mandatory. You can take permission to bring more than two pets, but it will require special permission, as a high number of pets can cause inconvenience among other residents.
Can a housing society ban pet animals?
A housing society cannot ban pet animals unless they have a strong basis, such as the animal being harmful or wild in nature or any other municipality rule being violated.
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