Pet in flat: Bengaluru RWA charges Rs 10k fee

The resident welfare association of an apartment complex in Bengaluru is enforcing a rule that requires pet owners to pay a refundable registration fee of Rs 10,000. The rule has been criticized by animal rights activists and the BBMP, who consider it illegal. The association claims that the fee will be used to refund treatment costs for dog-bite incidents or failure to keep the premises clean. However, critics argue that collecting fees from residents for owning pets is unlawful and that only the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board or BBMP can impose laws concerning pets in public places and residential spaces.