Mumbai’s housing societies are once again at the center of a legal and civic shake-up—this time involving pets, stray dogs, and the residents who care for them.
Two major developments have taken place:
- The BMC has issued fresh guidelines for pet owners, feeders, and housing societies.
- The Bombay High Court has ruled against a society that deployed bouncers to obstruct dog feeding.
The message is loud and clear: coexistence is not optional—it’s mandated.
📜 The BMC’s 2025 Guidelines: Pets, Strays & Society Rules
In June 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) released an extensive set of rules, aligned with Animal Welfare Board of India policies and the ABC Rules, 2023, aimed at regulating:
- Pet ownership
- Feeding of strays
- Responsibilities of RWAs/AOAs and institutions like schools and tech parks
Key Highlights:
-
Pet Registration is Mandatory
All pet dogs must be licensed under Section 191B of the MMC Act, and vaccination, deworming, and sterilization are compulsory. -
Lift Usage Cannot Be Denied
Societies cannot restrict pets from using lifts. Suggestions can be made to use alternative ones, but not enforced. -
Stray Animal Feeding is Legal & Protected
Societies cannot ban feeding but may regulate it with clear timings and locations—ideally away from children's play areas and entry points. Feeding must be clean and responsible (no leftover food or meat waste). -
Institutions Have Duties Too
Offices, schools, malls, and campuses must manage sterilization and care for on-premise strays. Relocation is illegal. -
Animal Welfare Committees Are Encouraged
Societies should form these committees to mediate, educate, and report any violations. Need help forming one? We can help you set it up.
⚖️ Bombay High Court’s Ruling: "No Bouncers Against Dogs"
In a parallel courtroom drama, the Bombay High Court delivered a strong ruling in the Paromita Puthran vs RNA Royale Park Society case.
The issue? The society had deployed private bouncers to stop residents from feeding stray dogs—a clear violation of court directives.
What the Court Ordered:
- Immediate removal of bouncers
- No interference with lawful stray feeding
- Retain water bowls for dogs
- Form a 5-member mediation committee including both feeders and other residents
The court also warned that “societies are not above the law”, reaffirming that stray animals are protected under Indian law.
Read full story on The Law Advice and TOI’s coverage.
✅ What This Means for Your Housing Society
| 🏘️ Issue | ✅ Action |
|---|---|
| Pet Restrictions | Illegal to ban pets or limit lift access |
| Feeding Strays | Legal if done hygienically and responsibly |
| Harassing Feeders | Punishable under law |
| Committee Formation | Strongly recommended by BMC |
| Developer/Builder-Owned Institutions | Responsible for stray animal care |
| Conflict Management | Dialogue > Dictatorship. Court supports cooperation |
🛠️ How The Society Consultants Can Help
Let’s be honest—many societies want to do the right thing but lack the legal clarity and conflict management tools to handle these complex issues.
That’s where we come in.
We offer:
- 🧾 Drafting pet and feeder policies that align with the law
- 👩⚖️ Legal support in managing civic notices, court orders, or resident disputes
- 🐶 Formation of Welfare Committees
- 📢 Resident awareness drives
- 🧼 Guidance on designated feeding zones and hygiene standards
🚀 Ready to make your society both compliant and compassionate?
Visit us at 👉 www.thesocietyconsultants.com
🧠 Final Thoughts
Mumbai’s housing societies are evolving, and so are the rules that govern them. It’s no longer enough to simply vote on policies—those policies must align with civic laws, constitutional rights, and humane practices.
It’s not just about pets or dogs—it’s about what kind of society you want to build.
Let’s build one that balances compassion with clarity.
Let’s build it together.
— The Society Consultants | Your Partner in Humane, Lawful, and Smart Society Management
