Don’t throw pets’ poop in public dustbins,carry it home,says BMC

Stating that the pets’ pooping habits on the Marine Drive promenade is creating nuisance for joggers and revellers besides giving it an unclean look,the BMC has proposed to ban pets on the 4-km stretch of Marine Drive. It will give a month’s warning to the owners and if still there is no change,the civic squads will take the pets away. The BMC’s cleanliness and sanitation bylaws have a provision of imposing a fine of Rs 500 on the erring owners.

Marine Drive,considered the picture postcard landmark of the city,was recently beautified at the cost of Rs 26 crore by MMRDA.

Though dog lovers support BMC’s intentions in the plan,they said there should be favourable condition before the rule is implemented. “There are very few places in the city where one can take pets for a walk. The BMC should place dustbins on the promenade so that we can clean up the poop and dispose it,” said Abodh Aras,director,Welfare of Stray Dogs.

Jimmy Narialwala,who is among the few who follow the rule,said: “I always carry waste paper when I take my pooch for a walk on Marine Drive. But there are no dustbins so I have to carry the waste back home.” Ashad Mehta,a Churchgate-resident,said: “We need a long-term solution. In the West,plastic bags and scoopers are made available to pet owners. So,least BMC can do is to place dustbins. Also,it should take stern action against those who spit paan on the promenade.”

Dr Colonel J C Khanna,secretary of the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,added that the civic body’s proposal is not ideal. “Action can be taken against the pet owners but what will the BMC do against strays? How does it plan to cope with their poop?” he asked.