The latest move by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to enforce a little-known law and collect annual taxes for raising horses, deer and dogs as pets has raised eyebrows among animal lovers and rights activists.
Officials say they will enforce the law from the current fiscal year, no matter who opposes it. Dr Fazle Shamsul Kabir, chief health officer of the DSCC, has confirmed the decision to Dhaka Tribune.
According to a DSCC public notice, pet owners must pay an annual tax for each animal as per the "City Corporation Standard Tax Schedule, 2016". The amount is Tk1,000 for each horse and deer and Tk500 for each dog.
Pet owners and animal rights activists say the decision, which came all of a sudden, is nothing but a joke. The authorities have not come up with any extensive and precise plans other than talking about the government's long-practised free vaccination program in return. At the same time, their promise of providing health services at the DSCC's clinics is pointless since there are no such facilities at all.
Currently, the Central Veterinary Hospital at Gulistan and those in all district headquarters -- under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock -- provide free healthcare services but charge money for medicines needed for treatment or surgeries.
Previously, pet owners under the Dhaka north and south city corporations had to collect tokens for Tk200 per pet. But it became obsolete over time. The Dhaka North City Corporation has not yet announced enforcing any such tax.
DSCC defends move
“The issue of paying tax for pets is nothing new. It was already there. Now only the law will be enforced. Developed countries also have this system. If you are paying tax for everything, you can also pay tax for feeding a deer, horse or dog,” the DSCC official said.
“Everyone has the right to criticize the discussion. If anyone has a valid reason, please let us know,” Dr Kabir added.
According to the DSCC list, 46 horses, 145 deer and 128 pet dogs are currently registered under its jurisdiction. The owners of these pets have already been apprised of the tax decision on behalf of the city corporation.
Previous grudges
Many dog owners and animal rights activists have expressed concern after learning about the DSCC decision on social media. They say many low-income people might stop adopting stray dogs if the law is enforced. However, rich people, who raise local or foreign dogs at home, may not express any objection.
Activists also demand that the tax be slapped only on breeders and those who use pets for financial benefits.
Earlier this year, the DSCC authorities came under severe criticism for abruptly culling and removing street dogs in violation of a High Court order.
The DSCC is also blamed for negligence in monitoring the poor handling of the horses, which have been used for pulling passenger-carrying carts on the Gulistan-Sadarghat route, and the inhuman condition of pets being sold by licensed shops at Katabon Market for years.
Since the deer is a wild animal, as per rules, anyone who is solvent and has enough free space with shade to ensure free movement can buy deer from a zoo or authorized farm and raise them -- upon the approval of the Forest Department.
Many netizens have asked for clarification and the rationale for the DSCC's move. They have demanded that the DSCC authorities show humanity towards all animals, especially domesticated and street dogs and cats, under the law. They have also asked the police and local representatives to ensure the safety of stray animals and make homeowners and community people aware of the importance of the coexistence of humans and animals in society.
Founder and Chairman of People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Rakibul Haque Emil demanded further clarification on the decision.
He said: “Pet owners in developed countries pay taxes and are given different facilities, including municipal parks to walk the dogs, vaccinations, and medical care. The authorities also take effective measures when a pet is lost or someone harms a pet. But we get no such benefit from our city corporations.”
He also questioned why all pet owners should pay taxes, and suggested that solvent pet owners be brought under a licensing system with a renewal provision and given due benefits in return.
