Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it clear that getting an NOC from the society to keep dogs at home is not a mandatory clause. The response came after animal lovers criticised the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for asking pet owners to submit a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their housing society.
Earlier, the civic council had set some rules for issuing pet licences. One of these rules includes getting an NOC from the society where the dog stays. This clause has upset animal welfare groups, as they believed that the rule gives power to housing societies to decide who can keep pets.
Animal activists said that this condition must be removed completely, even though the civic body claims it is not mandatory. Activists claimed that the rule violates animal protection laws. These include the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, duties under the Constitution, and guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
The Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation raised this issue directly with the NMMC chief. Through representatives Ashok Shahani and Preeti Salaskar, PAL sent a letter to NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde on August 4. The letter demanded that the NOC condition be deleted from the pet licence form.
It said the civic body gives dog licences through an online system.. Only mandatory documents are marked with an asterisk.
The letter pointed out that the society registrar handles internal society matters. No official order has been issued that requires an NOC for pet licences. It also said that making such a rule would go against the laws that protect pet owners and animals.
However, animal activists say the clause is misleading. They say the way it is shown on the website makes it look necessary. They also want a clear note on the website saying that keeping pets in housing societies is legal and allowed.
According to the AWBI guidelines, societies cannot ban residents from keeping pets. They cannot pass rules or change bylaws to stop pet ownership. Pets are allowed to move freely in the premises. They can use shared spaces without restrictions.
Animal activists continue to press the NMMC to take immediate action. They want the NOC clause removed and the rights of pet owners clearly protected.
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