MUMBAI, June 21 -- The civic administration has issued guidelines that will hopefully end 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. 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 vote in favour of such a ban, it remains unlawful, as no collective decision can override legal rights. The guidelines further state that dog barking cannot be used as a reason to impose restrictions or justify a ban. As long as pet-owning residents comply with municipal and legal requirements, housing societies have no authority to object The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has published the guidelines on the civic Veterinary Health Department portal (https://vhd.mcgm.gov.in/). They cover all aspects of pet ownership, community animal care, licencing, and the role and responsibilities of housing societies and animal welfare organisations. The BMC has urged all stakeholders to comply with these guidelines, to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and animals within Mumbai's city limits. The guidelines are in accordance with the ruling of the Supreme Court and recommendations from the Animal Welfare Board of India. It also said that payment of the prescribed municipal tax for pet dogs, Rs.100 a year, is mandatory as is securing a pet licence. Kalim Pathan, general manager, Deonar abattoir, who was instrumental in framing the guidelines, told HT, "The reason we have framed guidelines is due to innumerable complaints and conflicts arising between caregivers, housing societies and dog feeders. We have described the role of each stakeholder in the guidelines."...