BBMP relents, you can keep your pets for now

Following a backlash from pet lovers and activists, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has withdrawn its pet licensing bye laws that it had introduced in February.

In a submission to the Karnataka High Court on Thursday, the Urban Development Department on behalf of BBMP has said that, based on requests of the general public, animal lovers and various associations, the BBMP has re-examined the issue and considered it necessary to call for suggestions from all stakeholders and to re-examine the entire bye laws in the light of the inputs received. “Accordingly, the said bye laws are withdrawn with immediate effect,” said an official statement.

The bye laws saw widespread protests in the city. PILs were filed by citizens, animal welfare groups and activists. Some of the main grouses was a cap on the number of dogs per household, with apartments being allowed one dog and individual houses a maximum of three. Other’s included questions about the 64 approved breeds that could be reared in flats and homes, which excluded local breeds and popular ones like spaniels or retrievers from the list, among many others.