Pet owners fume over ‘illegal’ fines

Societies acting against residents consent

● ONE SUCH case that has reached a flashpoint pertains to residents of Meenakshi Sky Lounge (MSL) located near Hitex road.

Presidents of several societies, associations of buildings and complexes are creating new rules without the consent of residents. They are forcing them to pay fines of

`500 or `1,000, especially when it comes to families having pets.

One such case that has reached a flashpoint pertains to residents of Meenakshi sky lounge (MSL) located near Hitex road.

According to residents of MSL, the pet owners are warned against taking their pets for a walk in the green lawn and walk-ways on charges that pet owners do not clean the area after their pets use the space. A fine of up to

`1,000 is imposed if pets are taken for a walk beyond the drive-way.

“How is it possible to clean the pee? Owners are being asked to take their pets for a walk only on the driveway where there is vehicular movement, posing imminent risk of an accident. The worst part is that the security guards have been given cell phones to click pictures of the dog and the owner. It is very embarrassing and a mental harassment. Just because two pet owners erred, why are others being punished?” asked a resident of MSL.

The president of MSL, Y.

Sriram, said that the owners are leaving the area dirty and unhygienic. When asked if he imposed these rules he refused to come clear and added that he was working closely with Maneka Gandhi’s office and People for Animals (PFA) for a solution.

According to a member from PFA Hyderabad, Maneka Gandhi apparently responded to Y. Sriram’s mail saying he cannot impose such laws by himself or go against the laws of Animal Welfare Board (AWB).

An officer from GHMC stated that such laws related to animals cannot be imposed by apartment owners or presidents. No new rules against animals can be made up without permission from AWB. It is illegal, he said.