The proposal to impose tax on dogs was debated in the Karnataka Legislative Council. The Congress member opposed this, while the Urban Development Minister assured that the decision will be taken only after reviewing all the aspects while making the rules.
Bengaluru: During the discussion on a bill in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday, the atmosphere became heated when the issue of imposing tax on dogs came up. A bill regarding advertising charges was being debated in the local bodies. Meanwhile, Congress member Dr. D. Thimayya strongly opposed the proposal to impose tax on dogs.
Dr. Thimayya raised the question that it is not clear in the bill whether the government wants to impose tax on pet dogs or stray dogs. He said, “On one hand, the government is writing slogans like ‘be kind to animals’ on KSRTC buses and on the other hand, it is preparing to impose tax on them. This is not right. If possible, this rule imposing tax on dogs should be removed.”
Urban Development Minister Bairathy Suresh responded to this protest. “The rules for the Karnataka Municipal and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 have not been made yet. The bill has been passed by the lower house and we will make rules for it after approval in the upper house,” he said.
The minister further assured, “While making the rules, we will thoroughly review whether dogs should be taxed or not. A decision will be taken only after considering all aspects.”