More and more Indians are taking to companionship beyond their own species. This is heartening among the usual news of misfortunes befalling animals both wild and domesticated.
Statista shows that the pet population in the country rose to over 31 mn in 2021, a significant increase from 10 mn only a decade ago. A large portion was made up of dogs, while cats accounted for nearly 3 mn that year. By 2026, the number is expected to reach 50.12 mn.
This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes, and a shift in attitudes towards pets as family members, not as 'owners'.
People, quite understandably, are now considering how to care for their beloved pets in the event of the former passing away before the latter. Planning for this is crucial, as India is yet to have a system of caring for pets 'left behind'.
The issue resurfaced after the late Ratan Tata's will mentioned that he had made provisions for 'unlimited' care for his dog. While it would be great if people could leave assets to pets, Indian laws have no provisions to create a trust with pets as beneficiaries.
This is because pets are considered 'personal property', and one piece of property can't hold the title to another.
Trust law also requires beneficiaries be capable of enforcing the trust against the trustees. Animals can't take a trustee to court - they can't enforce terms of the trust deed.
This state of play needs to change, with an established procedure for those who want to ensure care for their pets.
If the Indian state needs any guiding light, there's Emperor Ashoka, the world's first ruler to grant animals protective rights through 'citizenship'. It's time for modern legal frameworks to catch up with such a progressive outlook to include non-humans we care for.
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This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes, and a shift in attitudes towards pets as family members, not as 'owners'.
People, quite understandably, are now considering how to care for their beloved pets in the event of the former passing away before the latter. Planning for this is crucial, as India is yet to have a system of caring for pets 'left behind'.
The issue resurfaced after the late Ratan Tata's will mentioned that he had made provisions for 'unlimited' care for his dog. While it would be great if people could leave assets to pets, Indian laws have no provisions to create a trust with pets as beneficiaries.
This is because pets are considered 'personal property', and one piece of property can't hold the title to another.
Trust law also requires beneficiaries be capable of enforcing the trust against the trustees. Animals can't take a trustee to court - they can't enforce terms of the trust deed.
This state of play needs to change, with an established procedure for those who want to ensure care for their pets.
If the Indian state needs any guiding light, there's Emperor Ashoka, the world's first ruler to grant animals protective rights through 'citizenship'. It's time for modern legal frameworks to catch up with such a progressive outlook to include non-humans we care for.
