Incidents where neighbours give residents a hard time for walking their dog on the road (public place) are vey common. Not just that, what is worse is that in many such cases, pet owners and those who feed the strays, also have to face verbal abuse and harassment.

We're sure you must have either faced similar problems as pet owners or, perhaps, someone around you could have been the victim. It is common for Indian housing societies to sometimes bring up issues for pet owners that are, more often than not, irrelevant. Which is exactly why we are here with a list of pet owners rights and regulations that you must be aware of, in order to raise your voice within reason.

First things first, as per Section 51(A)g of the Indian Constitution, it is the the fundamental duty of all citizens to show compassion to all living creatures. Article 51 (G) also states that every citizen has the right of living with or without a companion animal.

Secondly, under Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, it is a criminal offense to ill-treat or abandon any animal.

Now that we're clear with the basics, here's some regulations stated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to keep in mind if you're a resident of a society:

-Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) cannot ban you from keeping your pets. Under Section 9(k) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is illegal to ask tenants to give-up a pet or pass bye-laws that disallow pets, even if they have the majority of residents' consensus. Prodding a pet owner to abandon a pet is, as per the notification, considered abetting a violation of law and it is also illegal to assist in the crime.

-Keeping your dog on a leash is advisable at all times when in a common public area, for it ensures safety of both the pet and other residents. However, forcing the use of a muzzle is not allowed. In case of an incident, the pet owner will be deemed negligent and penalised as per law.

-Since elevators are common areas, RWAs cannot penalise a pet-owning individual to use a lift with their pets. At the same time, pet owners are advised to use alternate elevators (if available and easily accessible).

-Similarly, pets cannot be debarred from using parks. AWBI's notification deems regular exercise as important for a pet's physical and mental well-being. However, it also advises apartment complexes and pet owners to agree upon a reserved park timing for pets, so that residents are not bothered.

Moreover, dog parks are mandatory and while, recently, it was announced that dog parks will be constructed, no steps have been taken in the direction.

-Housing societies also cannot decide on a particular size of a pet, for instance, allowing only "small-sized" pets. Additionally, RWAs can't restrict certain breeds of dogs as per will.

"If any association succeeds in intimidating a pet owner into 'giving up' or 'abandoning' a pet, it will actually have abetted violation of law; and may well be aggravating the menace of ownerless animals on the street, that are not accustomed to living on the street and therefore get involved in and lead to accidents, injuries and deaths. Please also bear in mind that intimidation is an offense in law," the AWB notification reads.

All said and done, every pet parent must ensure that their pet does not become a nuisance to others. They should also make sure their furry friend does not attack anyone, should not bark incessantly (especially at night hours) and must not litter, etc. Needless to say, owners must keep their pets hygienic and clean and ensure that they have received all vaccinations.