No more walking dogs on the tekdi
Thousands of city residents walk their dogs on hills across the city, including Taljai, ARAI and Mhatoba tekdi; most of them claim that they leash their pets and use poop scoopers; PIC: RAHUL DESHMUKH
FOREST DEPT’S WILD DIKTAT
A s per new ban, off enders to face an FIR under the Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014; forest offi cials claim it is to safeguard wild animals onhills , prevent ‘harm’ to senior citizens, kids. Pet parents in uproar, say such random discrimination against leashed pets is unfair
While the few remaining green lungs in the city have long been enjoyed for brisk exercise by both human residents and their pawed friends, a new diktat of theforest department seeks to nip this freedom in the bud.
Not only will people be strictly prohibited from getting even leasheddogs onto the tekdis, but if any forest officials come across someone violating the rules, a complaint will be lodged against them under the Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014.
Thousands of city residents walk their dogs — for whom this is a key activity — on hills across the city, including Taljai, ARAI and Mhatoba tekdi. The clean air and uninterrupted stretches are much preferred by people as ideal for walking pets.
There also happen to be several stray dogs residing on these hills, of which the forest department’s new notice has strangely made no mention.
At the same time, forest officials have cited that several birds and animals like peacocks, rabbits, snakes and more, which are part of the hills’ biodiversity, may face a threat from pet dogs. They claimed that since it is the forest department’s responsibility to protect these wild animals, they had to take this step.
The guidelines further make the claim that many senior citizens and children visit the hills during the mornings and evenings for walking and playing, and that dogs can “harm” them.
The decision was taken after a police official was bitten by an unchained Alsatian on November 29 inside NIBM forest premises, assertedRahul Patil , Indian forest service officer, Pune division.
Patil insisted, “We have now issued guidelines stating that people will not be allowed to walk their dogs on the hills. There are several birds and other animals present in these spaces and these dogs could pose a threat to them. Dogs have been banned from the forest jurisdiction as per the law and any violation of this will invite the strictest action and even an FIR.”
Naturally, this broad declaration has not gone down well with pet parents, who said they take the utmost care while walking their dogs to ensure they stay on the leash, and also carry a scooper to pick up the pets’ poop and dispose of it properly.
Devashree Sapre, a resident of Sahakarnagar who walks her dog every morning and evening on Taljai tekdi, said she is utterly taken aback by these new rules, adding, “We already live in a concrete jungle, with most of us residing in apartments or congested residential complexes. I got my indie dog home from the streets and have been taking care of my beloved pet to the best of my abilities. But instead of encouragement for a good act, there seem to only be obstacles and no support from the authorities along the way. Dogs need proper exercise and it’s best to walk them on hills, as they also get to socialise with other pets. Responsible pet parents always have their dogs on a leash, and this is the case with most dogs on the tekdi.”
Vidya Mhasawade, who walks her dog at ARAI hill every evening, echoed, “My pup is aLabrador and needs physical exertion, otherwise his breed tends to put on weight, which is terrible for his health. The hills belong to the dogs as much as they do other living beings. It’s unfair to come up with such norms.”
Anandan Verma, a resident ofMohammadwadi , observed, “We have a citizens’ group for Kondhwa-–NIBM Road and we are aware of this situation. We have offered a solution that action should only be taken against pet parents if a dog is kept off the leash or causes some harm. Dogs also need physical activity and cannot be walked on crowded roads or kept locked up at home.”
As per the Maharashtra Forest Rules of 2014, trespassing with or permitting to trespass a dog or any other domesticated or trained animal capable of frightening, driving, wounding or killing any wild animal will lead to a first information report (FIR) being filed against the human offender.
A s per new ban, off enders to face an FIR under the Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014; forest offi cials claim it is to safeguard wild animals on
While the few remaining green lungs in the city have long been enjoyed for brisk exercise by both human residents and their pawed friends, a new diktat of the
In a sweeping step that claims to be oriented towards safeguarding natural biodiversity present on the hills, the Pune division of the forest department has issued a stern announcement that pets will henceforth not be walked in these spaces.
Not only will people be strictly prohibited from getting even leashed
Thousands of city residents walk their dogs — for whom this is a key activity — on hills across the city, including Taljai, ARAI and Mhatoba tekdi. The clean air and uninterrupted stretches are much preferred by people as ideal for walking pets.
There also happen to be several stray dogs residing on these hills, of which the forest department’s new notice has strangely made no mention.
At the same time, forest officials have cited that several birds and animals like peacocks, rabbits, snakes and more, which are part of the hills’ biodiversity, may face a threat from pet dogs. They claimed that since it is the forest department’s responsibility to protect these wild animals, they had to take this step.
The guidelines further make the claim that many senior citizens and children visit the hills during the mornings and evenings for walking and playing, and that dogs can “harm” them.
The decision was taken after a police official was bitten by an unchained Alsatian on November 29 inside NIBM forest premises, asserted
Patil insisted, “We have now issued guidelines stating that people will not be allowed to walk their dogs on the hills. There are several birds and other animals present in these spaces and these dogs could pose a threat to them. Dogs have been banned from the forest jurisdiction as per the law and any violation of this will invite the strictest action and even an FIR.”
Naturally, this broad declaration has not gone down well with pet parents, who said they take the utmost care while walking their dogs to ensure they stay on the leash, and also carry a scooper to pick up the pets’ poop and dispose of it properly.
Devashree Sapre, a resident of Sahakarnagar who walks her dog every morning and evening on Taljai tekdi, said she is utterly taken aback by these new rules, adding, “We already live in a concrete jungle, with most of us residing in apartments or congested residential complexes. I got my indie dog home from the streets and have been taking care of my beloved pet to the best of my abilities. But instead of encouragement for a good act, there seem to only be obstacles and no support from the authorities along the way. Dogs need proper exercise and it’s best to walk them on hills, as they also get to socialise with other pets. Responsible pet parents always have their dogs on a leash, and this is the case with most dogs on the tekdi.”
Vidya Mhasawade, who walks her dog at ARAI hill every evening, echoed, “My pup is a
Anandan Verma, a resident of
As per the Maharashtra Forest Rules of 2014, trespassing with or permitting to trespass a dog or any other domesticated or trained animal capable of frightening, driving, wounding or killing any wild animal will lead to a first information report (FIR) being filed against the human offender.
Recent Messages ()
Please rate before posting your Review
SIGN IN WITH
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.