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Gujarat Issues New Guidelines for Animal Welfare in Housing Societies

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Rithani

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3 min read

23 Jul, 2024

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In a groundbreaking move, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) in Gujarat has released a new circular aimed at safeguarding the rights of pet parents, stray dog feeders, and animal caregivers. The circular mandates that housing societies refrain from any form of violence or harassment against community animals and their caretakers, signaling a significant shift towards fostering a compassionate environment for animals across the state.


Addressing Rising Tensions in Housing Societies


Ahmedabad has witnessed increasing tensions between pet owners, stray dog feeders, and other residents in gated communities. Incidents have ranged from pet owners being denied rental accommodations to prohibitions on walking pets within society premises and discriminatory rules regarding the use of common facilities. The circular seeks to mitigate these conflicts by emphasizing the humane treatment of community animals and promoting cooperation among residents.


“Feeding schedules should consider the playtime of children and elderly residents,” the circular advises, encouraging a balanced approach to community animal care that takes into account the needs of all residents. Additionally, it urges housing societies to implement the Animal Welfare Board of India's (AWBI) guidelines, ensuring community animals receive proper nutrition, care, and sterilization without facing cruelty.


Legal Actions Against Cruelty


The circular sternly warns that individuals found guilty of abusing community animals will face legal repercussions. Housing societies are tasked with setting up designated feeding spots and adhering to standard operating procedures for managing animal populations scientifically and humanely.


Animal welfare advocates have praised the new regulations as a long-overdue measure to protect both animals and their caregivers. Charvi Salil, co-founder of an upcoming animal hospital, commends the move, saying, “These rules will go a long way in creating a community compassionate towards animals. Societies should also facilitate counseling sessions for children and the elderly to promote understanding and empathy.”


The RCS’s decision follows extensive submissions from the People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFAPPF), highlighting reports of cruelty towards community animals and harassment of their caregivers. Ankita Sharma, an associate with PFAPPF in Ahmedabad, states, "This will aid citizens seeking legal recourse against animal cruelty and bolster awareness efforts to protect caregivers' interests."


This initiative marks a significant step forward in harmonizing human-animal interactions in residential communities, underscoring Gujarat's commitment to animal welfare and protection.

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