Condo Owners Reject Dog Controls

Source : The Straits Times, Nov 2, 2007

Richmond Park management committee wanted animals carried in crates and 'dog licence' payable to MC

THE management corporation of the Richmond Park condominium wanted some unusual powers: Among them, the right to co-broke the rent and sale of units.

It also had some strong measures in mind for residents who owned dogs. For instance, it wanted owners to transport their pets in carrying cases within the compound, 'trolley cages' for bigger mutts, and even licensing fees.

But at an annual general meeting held over the weekend, the residents of the Bideford Road condo shot right back: No, they said.

They amended the rules on dogs, and sent the other proposed by-laws giving the MC more powers back to the drawing board.

The proposed rules were controversial enough for the AGM to draw more residents than usual: About 30 per cent of the condo's owner-residents, about twice the number who turned up at the last such meeting, showed up, said a resident who was present.

MC chairman David Tan, who had drafted the proposals, told The Straits Times last week the dog rules came about because the condo had long put up with irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up their pets' droppings.

But the residents disagreed and rejected the rule about transporting dogs in crates while in the condo's common areas, and also threw out the proposed monthly 'dog licence' payable to the MC - $30 for small dogs and $50 for large ones.

Instead, new proposals were raised and passed. They include designated dustbins for the disposal of dog faeces and a designated lift for owners to travel with their pets.

The co-broking proposal where owners would get a 20 per cent discount on their monthly maintenance fees - in exchange for giving the MC the power to help rent or sell their flats for a slice of the profits - was withdrawn.

Sources told The Straits Times the MC will re-draft this so it becomes a voluntary, rather than mandatory, scheme.

MC chairman Dr Tan - who had drafted these proposals - was not contactable despite repeated attempts.

Residents The Straits Times spoke to said they were relieved enough people turned up to say 'no' at the AGM.

One resident, who has lived in the condo for more than five years, said she would have had to find another home if the draconian dog rules had been passed.