Bengaluru Apartment's Rs 10,000 Pet Fee Sparks Social Media Outcry

A rule imposed by a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) on pet owners in Bengaluru has sparked outrage not only among animal guardians but also among animal rights activists and social media users. The controversy arose when it was revealed that the RWA of Ittina Mahavir apartment complex in the Electronic City area was demanding a refundable deposit of ₹10,000 per pet for residents who wish to keep animals within the apartment premises.

According to reports, residents have until November 15 to submit this deposit, and failure to comply will result in a daily fine of ₹100, starting from November 16. The RWA states that the collected funds will be used for the treatment of individuals bitten by pets and for other pet-related maintenance tasks. This contentious apartment regulation has faced severe criticism on the internet.

One user humorously remarked, "Charging ₹10,000 to keep a pet? Are they secretly funding a space program?"

Another user quipped, "A whopping ₹10,000 just to have a pet? It seems they want to ensure only the most luxurious fur babies are allowed!"

Meanwhile, an official from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deemed the move 'illegal.' An officer from the civic body's animal husbandry division, speaking to The Times of India, stated, "Charging residents for keeping pets in their homes is against the law. No RWA has the authority to collect such a fee, even if it's labeled as 'pet maintenance.' Government and BBMP-affiliated hospitals offer free treatment for dog bite victims, who are also entitled to a compensation of Rs. 2000. Therefore, it is not permissible for any private entity to impose such a fee on residents."