North India’s first dog park wears deserted look

The initial excitement surrounding the first-ever dog park in Ludhiana has fizzled out among pet parents, all thanks to a Rs 40 entry fee. Set up by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, the park is a first and one of a kind in north India and the third such one in the country, after Hyderabad and Mumbai.

One has to pay an entry fee of Rs 40 on each visit, which has not gone down well with pet owners in the city, who say they can just access a park for free instead. As a result of this the footfall at the park has decreased considerably.

Earlier, the timings of the park were fixed from 6 am to 11 pm, but seeing the lukewarm response to it, the timings were reduced. Now, the park only opens for few hours —from 6 am to 9 am—in the morning and some —from 5 pm to 9.30 pm—in the evening.

Ishmeen, a resident of BRS Nagar, who has a dog said that she took the pet to the park initially but paying Rs 40 for each visit was a little too much. “Since the park is close to my house, I took my dog there twice a day and used to pay Rs 80 daily. There are hurdles and other activities but there is no trainer available. You have to teach it to your pet on your own. It is a public park and entry should be made free,” said she.

Vikram, another resident of Sarabha Nagar, who used to take his pet to this dog park, said initially there were many visitors but slowly the craze faded. “It was a good leisure activity for dogs. My pet had befriended other pets, who were regular visitors, but slowly everyone has stopped coming. So, I too, have stopped going to the park as there is no point in going there alone. The entry fee remains the main deterrent. Entry should be made free definitely,” said Vikram.

Dr Vipul Malhotra, medical officer at the MC said, “The timings for the opening of the park were reduced, keeping in view the lukewarm response of people. Earlier, there was lot of enthusiasm among the resident, regarding the park, but it decreased with time. The entry fee is very nominal but it seems people are not ready to pay.”

The MC had planned to open such dog parks in each zone but after the tardy response at this park, the future of other dog parks seems dull.

The park is meant exclusively for fur babies to stroll, exercise and be trained at. It has hurdles and tunnels to help canines develop agility stay mentally and physically active. It also has obedience training areas, a swimming pool and a designated area to celebrate their birthdays.