Animal activists in Mumbai protest BMC’s proposed fine on feeding strays, warning of legal action | File Photo
Mumbai: There is a growing concern among animal feeders after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reportedly announced stricter enforcement of fines against feeding animals and birds in public places. If the fines are implemented, animal activists have claimed to challenge the legality of the rule in court.
The regulation imposing a fine of Rs 500 on individuals feeding animals and birds, was implemented by BMC in 2006 under its Solid Waste Management, Health and Sanitation by-laws. As the regulation lacked on-ground implementation, the civic body reportedly revised its by-laws on April 1 and now plans to strictly implement this rule through its Nuisance Detection (ND) squad.
While this move comes amid growing concerns over the city’s historic ‘kabutarkhanas’ (pigeon-feeding zones), the revision has also spread fear among animal feeders in the city. Citizens feeding cats and dogs on the streets in their personal capacity or through the help of various animal welfare organisations fear that implementation of this rule will lead to starvation among strays.
Roshan Pathak, animal rights advisor at Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, said, “If we stop feeding animals, will the BMC feed them? If the feeding is stopped, their aggression will increase, resulting in higher dog bite cases. This decision needs to be rolled back or else we will be compelled to hold a candle march against BMC.”
Another animal welfare organisation People For Animal’s Mumbai unit released a statement, saying, “There is enough garbage littered every single day by a common man commuting back and from compared to feeders who still try to ensure basic feeder protocols. We pay from our pockets to feed the animals and despite paying taxes, we ensure basic sanitation, not only for humans but also for animals.”
Activists said that feeding strays has a larger perspective than just hunger as it also helps execute sterilisation of the animals smoothly. The activists fear that if the feeding is affected, it will also result in less sterilisation and thereby increased population of stray animals in the city.
Nidhi Hedge, an animal feeder and activist based in Kandivali, said, “Feeding is our constitutional right and every species in entitled to a bowl of water and food. Feeding is the only way that these animals will trust us and come close to us, which helps in their sterilisation. Although it is BMC’s responsibility, they will not be able to carry out sterilisation without the feeders.”
Activists have called it an absurd step and have even claimed that they will challenge this decision in court. “After feeding the animals, we also make sure that we clean the place. Feeding animals should not be treated as a crime. There are many other things that the BMC should prioritise instead of coming against animal feeders. If this rule is implemented, we will challenge it in the court of law,” said Siddesh Poman, an animal activist based in Breach Candy.
