Dogs are not just animals, but family for many. We take care of them, love them, and provide them with all that is necessary to live a life of happiness. But did you know that your dog also has legal rights? Well, in many countries, including India, there are laws which protect dogs and regulations are made to ensure their welfare. Pet ownership comes with a set of responsibilities and understanding these legal rights can help you become a better pet parent and citizen, too.

In India, the legal rights of pet dogs and their owners are shaped by a combination of constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and guidelines issued by regulatory bodies.

Legal Rights of a Pet Dog: 

1. Right to Live with Companion Animals:

The provision under Article 51(G) of the Constitution prescribes that citizen have the right to live with or without a companion animal which pointed out the fact that pets are essential in human life. Furthermore, Article 51A(g) also stated that every citizen should show kindness towards all living creatures, therefore supporting the right of people for possessing pets, including dogs, as companions.

2. Right to Food and Shelter: 

Be it owned or stray, food, water, and shelter must be provided to a dog in some form.  As per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, nobody can deprive the animal of an essential element.  Therefore, no dog should be left to starve nor be without proper shelter.

3. Right to Veterinary Care:

If your dog is injured or ill, then by law, it is a duty of a pet owner to seek veterinary care. Failure to provide medical needs for your dog may apply in any criminal case involving acts of cruelty.

4. Right Against Cruelty:

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 protects every animal including dogs from any form of torture or cruelty. To hit, beat, mutilate, or poison a dog would court offenses punishable under this Act. If caught guilty, they may be sent behind the bars or fined.

Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) criminalize such acts providing additional protection for pet dogs.

5. Right to a Safe Environment:

A dog's living environment must be safe, secure, and free from potential dangers. Even in urban areas, municipal authorities have the responsibility to protect the stray dogs against inhuman treatments.

6. Right to Freedom from Abuse in Experiments:

There are regulations set by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) which strictly regulate the association of dogs with experiments so as not to inflict upon them anything more than what is obnoxious to harm or subordinate them.

Further, the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India would be beneficial for the protection of the rights of the pet owners and their pets in the residential societies.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Guidelines:

1. The societies cannot restrict/ ban the residents from having their favourite animals or discriminating them based on their size or breed.

2. Common facilities like lifts and parks cannot be prohibited for pets

3. Even though barking is considered normal behaviour, pet owners have been advised to manage excessive noise that can inconvenience neighbours.

 

How to protect Dog Rights?

A dog, like any other creature, is a faithful companion who deserves dignity, respect, and love. Being aware of their rights can help in the protection of their well-being as well as act quickly in case of any violation of their rights. Regardless of whether the animal was a pet or a stray, there are rights coiled in the life of a dog, and it is to them that we owe our duties to.  Also, if you witness cruelty against dogs, report it to the nearest animal welfare organization or local authorities. 

Another way to protect dog rights is to consider adopting a dog from a shelter instead of buying one from a breeder. This way, one can give a home to a dog that needs one. Also, donating, volunteering, or participating in awareness campaigns organized by animal welfare organizations to helps spread awareness about the rights of dogs.

Thus, legal rights for pet dogs in India have the protection for not only the rights of pet owners but also animal welfare. While there are ways of protection against cruelties and discrimination, what will add balance and order within the community is the aspect of accountability regarding pet ownership. To establish a more compassionate atmosphere for pets as well as owners, such rights and duties should be known.

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WRITTEN BY- TEJASRI RAO