India, June 20 -- Voting for compassion in the care of strays and pets, the civic administration has issued a set of guidelines that will hopefully end rising conflicts between pet owners, housing societies and stray dog feeders.

According to the guidelines, harassing citizens who feed stray dogs and cats, classified as "community animals", is a punishable offence. However, registration as a "colony animal caretaker" with the Animal Welfare Board of India is recommended to formalise their role.

Housing societies and apartment owners are not legally permitted to impose a ban on the keeping of pet dogs or cats. They cannot restrict pets based on size, breed or any arbitrary criteria, the guidelines state. Even if a majority of residents v...