Mumbai, June 20, 2025 – In a significant move to support animal welfare and reduce ongoing disputes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued new guidelines that protect both pet owners and those who care for stray animals in the city. These rules aim to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents, pets, and community animals in Mumbai’s housing societies.
The guidelines officially recognize stray dogs and cats as “community animals” and state that feeding them is not a punishable act. On the contrary, harassing or obstructing individuals who feed these animals is now a punishable offence. To formalize their role, the BMC recommends that such feeders register as “colony animal caretakers” with the Animal Welfare Board of India, encouraging responsible caregiving.
Importantly, the guidelines clarify that housing societies cannot ban pets based on size, breed, or other arbitrary conditions. Even if a majority of residents vote in favor of such a ban, it is not legally valid. Individual rights to pet ownership are protected and cannot be overridden by collective decisions. Furthermore, dog barking cannot be used as a reason to restrict or ban pets, provided owners comply with cleanliness and licensing rules.
Dog owners are now required to pay an annual municipal tax of ₹100 and obtain a valid pet license through the BMC. However, there is currently no such requirement for cat owners. These steps aim to encourage responsible pet ownership and better tracking of domestic animals in urban spaces. The full guidelines have been published on the Veterinary Health Department’s official website and include provisions for pet registration, animal welfare responsibilities, and the role of housing societies.
Kalim Pathan, general manager of the Deonar abattoir and a key contributor to the new policy, stated that the guidelines were framed after numerous complaints regarding conflicts between animal feeders and society members. “We have clearly outlined the responsibilities of each party,” he said.
Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the move. However, some, like Jayesh Shah from Help Animals and Birds Hospital, have raised concerns over the need for feeders to register, arguing it may discourage goodwill. The BMC’s new pet and stray animal policy is seen as a progressive step toward creating a more compassionate and lawful environment for animals and their caregivers in Mumbai.
