Bengaluru: Dog owners in the city are a worried lot. After the BBMP proposed the ‘one home one pet’ plan, most of them are contemplating leaving their dogs in shelters, rather than abandoning them on the streets or let the corporation take them away.
Several shelter owners and animal rescuers claimed they have been getting numerous calls from people enquiring if they can leave their dogs there, as they are worried about the BBMP’s proposed rule.
The BBMP will be discussing the proposed rule in the forthcoming council meet. On the other hand several animal lovers have filed a petition in the court seeking to quash the rule.
Tony Freer, Founder and Trustee of Haven Animal Welfare Trust, said,” There is certainly fear among people who own many dogs. I have been receiving calls on ways to leave their dogs in shelters. I also heard that people are making efforts in send them away to their relatives’ house and to farm houses. The other shelter owners and rescuers told me that they too are getting many calls from people requesting to provide shelter to their dogs, as they are worried about the proposed rule.”
“We have been telling people not to worry and there will be a way out. We will ensure that such a rule is not implemented. Now there is another worrying factor that if people do not get shelters to leave to leave their dogs, then they will be forced to abandon them on the streets. We are hoping that a clear picture emerges soon and help in protecting not only home grown dogs, but also the strays,” Freer added.
Another dog rescuer, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “All the animal rescuers, shelter owners, pet lovers, animal rights activists should come together and stay united in the fight, which is not actually happening.”
He said that a Town Hall should be conducted, where everyone, including the animal haters, BBMP officials and the Bengaluru Development minister Dr G Parameshwar, are present.
“The Town Hall will certainly be helpful when there is a discussion taking place. Instead, people are working on their own to set things right, rather than trying to conduct a meeting and take the views from every one and come to a conclusion where no one is hurt,” he added.
“But there is definitely a rush among people trying to leave their dogs in the shelters anticipating the BBMP’s proposed rule,” he said.
