Visitors won't be allowed to take pets to Lake premises: KMDA
Times of India | 8 May 2024
KOLKATA: Visitors and morning walkers are strictly prohibited from entering Rabindra Sarobar with their pets, according to a notice that the Lake custodian, KMDA, put up on Tuesday. While some pointed out the move would keep the premises clean, animal lovers said that instead of a blanket ban on pets, the authorities could consider setting up a pet corner, where the animals could be allowed.
The decision was taken, said a KMDA official, following complaints from several morning walkers, who claimed they often felt scared that they might be bitten by the animals and that the pets also created a nuisance on the premises. "Several pet-lovers visit the Lake but at the same time, some are scared of dogs and they feel insecure. We have been receiving many complaints, urging us to look into their concerns ," said the official, adding the decision was taken to ensure those who were not comfortable with dogs no longer felt insecure.
Lake regulars said there used to be a ban on entry of pets into the Lake premises till 2014 and that animals were not allowed inside, without specifically mentioning the species. Some of them welcomed the renewal of the prohibition. "Most pet owners never clean up after their pets and there are people who feed strays on the premises, making it dirty. Sometimes, stray dogs even attack the pets, leading to a chaos. Those who are scared of dogs, having been attacked or bitten earlier, also feel insecure," said a morning walker. Arun Kumar Dalmia, who visits the Lake regularly, claimed feeding stray dogs often led to trouble. "The authorities should also look into the matter. Many feed stray dogs inside the Lake area. This should be stopped," he said.
However, animal lovers are unhappy with the blanket ban on the entry of pets. "Ideally, there should be no such prohibition on pets in public places. There should be a dedicated zone for pets. But pet owners, too, should take the responsibility of ensuring peace is maintained and that others do not feel uncomfortable," said another walker.
In New Town, the NKDA had banned the entry of pets in its parks in '22. The officials later came up with a rule for pets in public places in New Town.