Bengaluru: Owners must clear poop, leash pet dogs in Cubbon Park from today

BENGALURU: If you are planning to take your dog for a walk inside Cubbon Park, be prepared to scoop its poop and drop it into the nearest bin.
This directive is part of the many regulations that the horticulture department will enforce from Sunday after the high court recently expressed concern over allowing pet dogs inside the city’s premier lung space.
The department note read: “Owners are to ensure their pets are not a source of nuisance to others. All owners must bring scoops and pick up excreta of their dog and deposit it in the garbage bin provided.”
Dog poop poses a major problem in the park as most pet owners do not pick it up while taking their dogs for a walk. There have been instances of verbal arguments breaking out between dog owners and morning walkers over it. Ironically, the department order is silent on the action to be initiated against dog owners who refuse to clear the poop. However, a horticulture department official said: “We will first create awareness among the owners before taking penal action. All guards at the entrances will advise them to carry a scoop, and if they continue to defy orders, they will not be allowed to enter the park with their pets.”
Apart from this, pet owners have been directed to restrain their dogs with a leash that is not longer than six feet. Leashing pets in public places ensures passers-by are safe, the department said. Officials said around 300 pets are brought into the park on weekdays and the number crosses 1,000 on weekends.
Cubbon Park deputy director (horticulture) HT Balakrishna said: “With the help of police and our staff, we will monitor entry of pet dogs into Cubbon Park. We don’t want the public to face any nuisance by pets and their owners.” The staff have been mandated to check if dogs are leashed.