The pet dilemma: Balancing safety and compassion in city housing societies

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Kolkata’s housing societies grapple with integrating pets, balancing residents’ emotional connections with concerns about safety and hygiene. A recent incident involving a pit bull has heightened anxieties, prompting discussions on creating inclusive shared spaces. Responsible pet ownership, community rules, and designated pet areas are suggested to mitigate conflicts and ensure peaceful coexistence.

As pet ownership rises across urban Kolkata, housing societies are navigating a tricky balance—ensuring safety and hygiene in shared spaces while respecting the emotional bonds between families and their pets. In high-density environments, concerns over noise, cleanliness, and safety—especially involving larger breeds—are growing. Children and elderly residents are often at the heart of these worries. A recent incident involving a pit bull allegedly attacking a four-year-old girl in a Rajarhat housing complex has heightened these anxieties. Where should the line be drawn? How do we create truly inclusive shared spaces?

Voices of Pet Parents

“Living in a housing complex with a pet has its ups and downs,” shares Srishti Catherine De Rozario. “I’m grateful for the clean, secure environment where my dog, Winnie, can walk, socialise, and feel safe. But with great cuteness comes great responsibility—I ensure she doesn’t create a nuisance or pose any safety risks. After all, it’s a shared space.”

City resident Vidhi Sharma adds, “A major challenge is the bias from non-pet owners, often based on assumptions. I’ve even faced false complaints about my dog being unsafe, though he’s one of the calmest, most gentle dogs around.”

Living Among Pets Without Owning One

“Pets should be welcome—as long as their owners are responsible,” says Anusmita Bera, a South Kolkata resident. “Basic etiquette like leashing, cleaning up after pets, timely vaccinations, and noise control go a long way in maintaining peace.”

Shreya Khandelwal echoes this sentiment, adding, “There must be systems in place—designated pet areas, fixed playtime slots, and necessary amenities. Without these, concerns around safety and hygiene are valid.”

Responsibility, however, isn’t solely for pet owners. Asmita Ray points out, “Children often provoke pets just for fun, leading to agitation or even bites. Parents need to teach their kids about boundaries and consequences.”

Pets in Shared Spaces: Companions or Concerns?

Pets can ease loneliness and spark joy—but they can also trigger stress in crowded environments.

Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a mental wellness expert, says, “Animals often help ease social anxiety and bring spontaneous moments of happiness.” However, she cautions, “For people with allergies, past trauma, or sensory sensitivities, frequent exposure to pets can be distressing. Without clear community rules, the emotional toll can be significant.”

Pet-Free Zones: Fair or Unfriendly?

Some housing societies have introduced pet-free zones to strike a balance—but are these measures exclusionary?

Susmita Roy from a city-based NGO weighs in: “Both pet-free and pet-friendly zones are necessary. Pets know their families but may behave unpredictably with strangers. Separate zones also help residents with allergies or phobias feel safer.”

Raising Pets Right: Tips for Responsible Ownership

In a city where space is always at a premium, raising pets responsibly in housing complexes demands more than affection—it calls for shared responsibility, empathy, and awareness.

Maintain control: Always leash pets in common areas, no matter how friendly they are.

Add safety gear: Use collars and muzzles if needed to reassure nervous neighbours.

Clean up: Always dispose of pet waste properly—carry poop bags or tissues.

— Tips contributed by Dr. Harsh Veerbhan, Founder, Pet Wellness Clinic

Resident Voices

“Residents have been advised not to feed pets wet food in open common areas. It can attract pests and pose slip risks for the elderly and children.”

— Sanjay Bhowmik, Committee Member, Housing Society

“Rules like keeping my dog leashed at all times—even in empty spaces—feel overly harsh. It’s frustrating when all I want is to give him a happy, respectful life.”

— Vidhi Sharma, Pet Parent

“Pets need their own time to let off steam. Allocating a fixed slot—like afternoons or late nights when fewer people are around—can help them play freely while avoiding unnecessary conflicts.”

— Asmita Ray, Resident of a Pet-Friendly Society