‘Impose higher fines for Dog feces in public parks’: Karnataka HC orders BBMP

Karnataka High Court has ordered the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Horticulture Department to impose higher fines on pet owners whose dogs defecate in public parks. This decision comes after several complaints about the unhygienic conditions caused by pet faeces in the city’s gardens.

A division bench led by Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria issued the guidelines during a hearing on a petition filed by a non-governmental organization, *Compassion Unlimited Plus Action*. The organization sought stronger actions from the BBMP and the government to prevent the nuisance caused by pet dogs in public spaces.

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The court observed that both the Horticulture Department and BBMP officials have failed to maintain cleanliness in the parks, largely due to the irresponsible entry of pets. According to the court, 1,288 complaints have been registered by the public concerning this issue.

The court directed authorities to protect visitors to the parks from disruptive behaviour caused by dogs. It has been made clear that cleanliness in public parks must be upheld at all costs.

Key guidelines

1. Higher Penalties for Dog Feces: Pet owners whose dogs cause faecal matter in parks will now face higher fines compared to those violating other park cleanliness rules.

2. Inspection Teams: The court directed the formation of a three-member team comprising one official from the Horticulture Department and two BBMP officers. This team will regularly inspect major parks, assess cleanliness, and enforce necessary measures.

3. Control of Nuisances: The responsibility of controlling spitting, littering, and allowing pets to defecate in the park area will be entrusted to authorities. Fines will be imposed on violators to maintain cleanliness.

4. Permanent Management Mechanism: The State Government, BBMP, and Horticulture Department will need to develop a permanent system for proper park management and vigilance.

5. Strict Enforcement of Laws: The BBMP has been directed to enforce the Karnataka Parks, Playgrounds, and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act of 1985 and the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 strictly in city parks.

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6. Awareness for Pet Owners: The court also ordered that pet owners be made aware of the importance of carrying bags to clean up after their dogs. They must dispose of dog waste responsibly.

7. Budget for Park Maintenance: The authorities must allocate sufficient budget for the proper management and cleanliness of the parks.