The problem of dog feces in public areas has increased along with the popularity of dog ownership in India. Pet waste disposal is a problem in many cities, which raises hygienic issues and complaints from the public. While there isn’t a single national law that addresses dog poop in public areas specifically, there are a number of local municipal regulations as well as more general environmental as well as public health laws that address the problem in different ways.

Additionally, the Indian Constitution contains provisions that acknowledge the ability to own pets. For instance, Article 51(g) in the Constitution states that every Indian citizen has the freedom to choose whether or not to live with a companion animal. Nevertheless, there is still a degree of conflict between those who love or own pets and those who dislike them and do not own them. This conflict arises because people who do not love pets frequently believe that pets are a huge nuisance because of their loud noises, such as dogs’ loud barking, pet litter or excrement, and diseases from unsterilized and unvaccinated pets, among other factors.

Legal Framework Addressing Dog Poop in India

While India does not have specific nationwide laws that exclusively deal with dog poop, however several provisions in municipal laws, public health acts, and housing society rules indirectly address the issue. These laws aim to maintain public cleanliness and promote responsible pet ownership.

1. Municipal Corporation Rules

Municipal corporations across India have introduced by-laws to address dog waste in urban areas. These rules are typically part of broader sanitation and public health guidelines.

• Penalty for Non-Compliance: Pet owners may be fined for not cleaning up after their dogs in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and roads.
• Example: Municipal corporations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune have issued guidelines requiring pet owners to carry poop bags and dispose of waste responsibly.

2. Prevention of Public Nuisance

Under Section 268, causing a public nuisance is considered a punishable offense. Dog poop in public spaces can fall under this category if it causes inconvenience or harm to others.

• Complaints can be registered with local authorities if dog poop is left unattended and leads to unsanitary conditions.

3. Housing Society Rules

Many residential societies and gated communities have their own by-laws for managing pet waste.

• Designated Areas: Some societies have designated areas where pets can relieve themselves.
• Fines and Warnings: Pet owners may face fines for failing to clean up after their dogs within the premises.

4. Public Health and Sanitation Acts

State-level public health acts emphasize maintaining cleanliness in public areas. Improper disposal of dog poop can be considered a violation of these acts, which aim to prevent health hazards like the spread of bacteria and parasites.

What are the guidelines that pet owners have to follow?

• Pet owners should treat their animals as perennial toddlers, meaning that the same amount of care that is given to a human toddler during infancy should also be given to a pet throughout its lifetime.
• Regardless of the pressure an owner may face, it is illegal to leave a pet unattended.
• It is the responsibility of pet owners to make sure that their animals don’t bother other people. Someone who has a pet needs to be able to differentiate between legitimate and irrational complaints of annoyance, though.
• Although it is a dog’s natural expression to bark, pet owners are encouraged to do everything in their power to keep their dogs quiet, particularly at night.
• Pet owners must provide their animals with proper medical attention, as well as frequent vaccinations and sterilizations.
• Pet owners or the person they entrust their beloved pet to, such as a dog walker or caretaker, are required to pick up their pet’s waste, especially when it’s in a public place, even if pets possess the right to urinate. This complies with the civic obligation to maintain a clean environment and to honor the rights of other public space users.
• It is also recommended that pet owners keep their animals on leashes when they are in public. In addition to ensuring the pet’s safety, this serves to reassure onlookers that they are secure and can stroll around the area without discomfort.

India has regulations regarding pet trash, but they are difficult to implement because there are unclear penalties and a significant issue with the laws not being obeyed. Local governments and communities have a crucial role in ensuring that these regulations are adhered to. One of the best strategies in the nation, in our opinion, is the PMC in Pune, which has been able to educate pet owners concerning their responsibilities by imposing penalties on them and launching public awareness programs.