Want to keep a pet dog? Get NOC from neighbours

Kochi: If you are that pet owner who is caught between angry neighbours and your (not so) aggressive dog, here is a shocker for you.
In a bid to ensure that pet dogs do not pose any inconvenience in the locality, the city corporation authorities are planning to introduce a system wherein non-objection certificate (NOC) from neighbours will be made mandatory for owners to keep dogs.
"In March we had introduced a project to implant microchips in pet dogs through a single-window system. However, later we received numerous complaints from neighbours of dog owners stating that the civic body had issued pet dog ownership licences without any inspection. This prompted us to think of an NOC system," said V K Minimol, health standing committee chairperson. "Since houses are built so close to each other in city limits, obtaining permission from neighbours is required for the greater good," she added.
A complainant told TOI that his neighbour, who has the licence to keep a dog, let the pet animal on the loose in daytime. "It enters the courtyard of the neighbours, creating nuisance. When I brought it to the attention of the dog owner, he claimed that he has a licence," he said.
The health standing committee is planning to bring in a regulation that mandates pet owners to first approach concerned circle office (heath) and submit an application, following which the officials will visit the applicant's residence. Obtaining NOC of the neighbours would be the last leg of the procedures.
The idea of NOC has not gone down well with dog owners in the city. According to Sujith Shenoy, who has a pet dog, the proposal doesn't make any sense. "Instead of introducing regulation that give the power to neighbours, the civic body should try and develop responsible dog ownership mentality among the pet owners. Majority buy and keep pets just for flaunting it or for protection. Such people should be made aware that owning a dog comes with certain responsibilities and they are bound to take good care of the animal," said Sujith, who resides at TD Road.