Bengaluru Animal Lovers Oppose The Proposal To Ban Pets Inside Cubbon Park

A high-level committee recently decided to enforce a ban on pets inside Cubbon park, and banners stating the decision are anticipated to be installed at the gates from July 1.

The Karnataka government’s plan to ban pets inside Cubbon Park in Bengaluru has not gone well with many citizens, who have launched a campaign demanding the withdrawal of the proposal.

The proposal to ban pets inside Cubbon Park, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Park, comes after more than 300 complaints of violating guidelines in the gardens and parks. Many joggers and walkers complained that the dogs were allowed to roam freely, posing a threat to others.

However, the proposal has not gone well with pet lovers who visit the park. In a campaign launched on Change.org, more than 5,250 people demanded the proposal’s withdrawal instantly.

The petition started by The CJ Memorial Trust, Bengaluru, an organisation that fights for the rights of animals, says, “Today, pet parents were shocked when a few security personnel said dogs would be banned at Cubbon Park web July 1. We hear that due to many irresponsible pet parents, lack of leash in public areas, and not picking up poop, etc.”

“The Cubbon Park Canines and relentless volunteers at Cubbon Dog Park have done EVERYTHING to educate and influence pet parents to follow these rules. We realise we are as strong as our weakest link, and so we have TRIED our best. Posters, social media Messaging, etc. Why punish the good pet parents, the poor pet dogs, and where will they now go? Netizens are heartbroken.”

The trust has also reported to the principal secretary of the department of horticulture and sericulture.

Moreover, while we do categorically agree that a few irresponsible pet parents who prefer not to leash the dogs or pick up poop need to be managed, most responsible and civic-minded pet parents should not suffer for the sins of a few. For instance, for the one person who does not mask up, litter, spit or urinate in public, we can’t ban all people.

We are happy to collaboratively work with you as we always have, e.g., by defining specific dog-free spaces, etc. We totally agree that the duties and rights of dog lovers go hand in hand,” said the letter.

Pets are not allowed inside Lal Bagh, an iconic botanical garden in Bengaluru. The horticulture department of Karnataka maintains both these parks.