Cities, dogs and our responsibility

“Picking up potty is not a shame, it is a culture, we need responsibility, not potty on the city streets”
The number of pet dogs in India is estimated to be around 32 million in 2023, and is growing at a rate of 12-15% every year. But pet policies based on cleanliness and public etiquette are implemented only in a few cities. According to the World Health Organization, parasites and bacteria present in dog poop can cause serious infections in children and the elderly. In developed countries, the average fine for not picking up pet waste is between $50 and $500, whereas in India this provision exists in many places but is rarely enforced.
Pets are not just a part of our home but also a reflection of the culture and discipline of our city. Our habits in taking care of them determine how responsible citizens we are.
The pet dog today is not just a household companion, but has become an important part of the urban lifestyle. Hundreds of dogs and their owners are seen walking on the footpaths, parks and streets in the cities in the morning and evening. This sight can be pleasant in itself, provided responsibility and discipline are also clearly visible along with it. Unfortunately, this aspect is still incomplete in the dog-keeping culture in India.
Keeping a dog is not just about taking care of it, but also about the mess it leaves behind in public places. In developed countries, it is normal for a dog owner to immediately take out a polythene bag and put it in the nearest dustbin if his pet poops somewhere. Many municipalities provide free bags and potty dustbins for this. In contrast, cleaning up dog poop in public places is still a rare sight in India. Many owners assume that the land belongs to everyone and it does not matter if we leave dirt on it. This thinking not only promotes unhygienic conditions, but also poses a danger to children, the elderly and pedestrians.
No matter how well trained a pet dog is, it is ultimately an animal and its behavior can be influenced by circumstances. This is why leashing is mandatory in public places in developed countries. People there do this not only out of fear of the law but also out of social habit. In India, this rule is often ignored. Many owners proudly say—“Our dog does not bite anyone.” But an accident can occur if an unknown passerby gets scared, a child falls or a cyclist loses balance. Not wearing a leash is not only a violation of the rule but also negligence towards the safety of others.
In many countries, excessive barking by dogs is considered abnormal and emphasis is laid on training to control it. Barking should only happen in case of danger or abnormal situation, it is seen as noise pollution and antisocial behaviour. In India, on the contrary, barking by dogs day and night is considered normal. This is seen not only in pets but also in stray dogs. This affects the sleep, mental peace and safety of children and the elderly, but there is hardly any discussion on this.
In developed countries, there is a provision of heavy fines and legal action for dog bites, not wearing a leash or not cleaning garbage. There, the law is followed not only due to fear of punishment, but also due to social pressure-because breaking the rules is considered shameful. In India too, some municipal corporations have made such rules, but their enforcement is very lax. The provisions of fines often remain only on paper, and people do not take them seriously.
In foreign countries, ‘public’ means everyone and for everyone. In India, ‘public’ often means no one. This is the reason why taking care of public property and places is not considered a personal responsibility. The same mentality prevails in the case of keeping a dog. It is claimed that the pet is considered a part of the family, but there is laxity in taking responsibility for its dirt, safety and social behavior.
Pet dog’s potty may contain many types of bacteria, parasites and pathogens, which are harmful to humans. Leaving it in public places is not only unhygienic but also a threat to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) report states that the risk of intestinal diseases in children increases manifold due to pet’s waste in the open. In such a situation, it is not only a cleanliness issue but also a question of public health.
To solve this problem, changes are needed at all three levels—personal, social and administrative. First, people need to understand that keeping a pet is not just an emotional attachment, but also a responsibility. Through schools and community programs, children and adults can be taught proper behavior towards pets and public etiquette.
Second, municipalities have to play their role actively. It is necessary to provide pet potty dustbins and free bags in every park, footpath and public place. This will not only increase convenience but will also make people responsible.
Third, the law must be strictly enforced. Penalties and action must be ensured for not wearing a leash, not picking up potty, or letting an aggressive dog loose. The existence of rules is meaningful only if they are followed and prompt action is taken on violations.
Fourth, good behaviour should be rewarded with public praise and encouragement, not just punishment. If a pet owner follows the rules, he or she should be made an example of. This will provide positive motivation and accelerate change.
Finally, it is important to promote dog training centres. A trained dog is safer not only for its owner but for the entire society. Training should include not only obeying commands but also controlling barking and aggressive behaviour.
The city belongs not just to humans but also to all the creatures that live in it—whether they are domesticated or stray. Having a pet dog is a pleasant experience, but it is complete only when we take its responsibilities seriously. It is our responsibility to ensure that the streets, parks and sidewalks are safe and clean for everyone. This means picking up the pet’s mess, leashing it, controlling its barking and aggression, and taking care of the convenience of others should be part of our habit.
If we really want our cities to be livable, we have to accept this—the issue is not who owns the dog, the issue is who owns the city. When we accept this city as our own, then our dog will also become its responsible citizen.
Priyanka Saurabh
Research Scholar in
Political Science,
Poet, freelance journalist
and columnist,
Ubba Bhawan, Aryanagar, Hisar (Haryana)