As a pet owner in India, you should be aware of specific pet laws in apartments. Knowing these rules can make you voice your rights when any housing society objects to keeping your pets. 

The Animal Welfare Board of India, a part of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India, issued a list of bylaws on all pet dogs and street dogs. These laws for pet owners living in apartments have been clearly stated based on the residents of the apartments' recurring queries and concerns. Here are the guidelines for all pet owners.

What are the general dos and don'ts? 

• No Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) has the right to ban residents from keeping pets.
• Even though the majority of residents are against keeping a pet, even then, the RWA cannot impose the ban on pets
• The housing society cannot impose any discrimination or restriction on the pets' size. 
• A pet-related ban cannot be based on the dog barking
• Pets and resident owners of the pets can continue to stay in the society or community if no municipal law is violated.

Use of lift by pets

• Earlier court rulings had restrictions on pets being allowed to use a lift. Now, there are no rules imposed, and the pets can be allowed to be taken in the elevator.
• One cannot make changes in the rule of pets using lifts.
• Courts mentioned that pets are like family and can use a lift in any society or community.
• No Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) can levy special fees or charges on the pet owners for providing lift facilities to the pets.

Use of park by pets

• Pets cannot be stopped from using the parking.
• Fix a timeline for pets to access parks or gardens within the society.
• Keep the RWA informed about the proper park access timings.

Use of leashes and muzzles

• Use of leash or muzzles when in common areas should be a practice followed by the pet owners
• Any pet owner who is not following this rule can be fined.

Defecation by pets within community premises

• As of now, there is no rule on the cleaning of pet excreta. So, the RWA can ask or request the pet owners to clean.
• Also, in case the pets excrete in the common areas of the society, the pet owners cannot be fined.
• It is a must for pet owners to train their dogs to use the same spot without messing up other community or social areas.

As per India's constitution, Section 11(3) states Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960, apartment or housing society cannot restrict pet owners from keeping pets. Also, according to article 51 A (g) of India's constitution, every citizen's duty is to show and have compassion toward all living creatures – animals and fauna. This article highlights the following points:

• Pet owners should be vigilant that the pet is not being teased or troubled by any child or any other person.
• Ensure that the dog is not making any nuisance for the rest of the community
• As per the rules for dogs in apartments, the pet owner should ensure that they abide by all the Municipal Sanitary By-Laws or Regulations. 
• The pet owner should keep the dog leashed whenever they are walking in the common area or within the building premises.
• For preventing the pet from provoked, the pet owner should train about the standard and familiar people in and out of society.
• Ensure that the pets do not fight with other pets.
• Try to toilet train the pet to avoid excreting within the premises.

Although most of the rules are pro the pet owners and the pets, one has to remember that your neighbors' safety or the familiar people also depends on the way you handle your pet. Pet owners should be aware of the rules for dogs in apartments and accordingly abide.

If you are looking for pet-friendly apartments for sale in Hyderabad, then log in to Property Adviser.in for a wide range of apartments to suit your needs.