BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has decided to suspend its proposed ban on pet dogs at Cubbon Park for the time being. It will frame a new set of rules by next week to regulate the entry of pets into the park.
Proposal to ban pets in Cubbon Park suspended
In a big relief to pet parents, the government decided to suspend its proposed ban on pet dogs at Cubbon Park for the time being. It will frame a new set of rules by next week to regulate the entry of pets into the lung space.
The decision was announced after Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan met horticulture minister Munirathna and requested him to reconsider the proposed ban from July 1.
Confirming the decision, Mohan told TOI he appealed to the minister to withdraw the ban while putting in place certain rules and granting power to officials to enforce them. "The minister said until they frame a fresh set of rules by next week, they will temporarily block the ban on pet dogs in the park."
Mohan said a blanket ban on pets is against Animal Welfare Board of India-2016 guidelines that were framed following a case in Delhi high court about letting dogs into public parks. "There is no large place in central Bengaluru for any citizen to take pets out. I completely agree that pet parents must conduct themselves responsibly by adhering to guidelines. We have even suggested forming a volunteer group for deployment in various places of the park on weekends as there will be more number of pet dogs," he explained.
Horticulture officials from both Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, members of We Love Cubbon Park group and Cubbon Park Canines group were present at the meeting, Mohan said.
