Activist Challenges MBMC Fine of Rs 5,000 for Feeding Stray Dogs
An animal welfare activist has raised serious objections to a directive by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation penalising citizens up to Rs 5,000 for feeding stray dogs outside 20 designated areas across Mira Bhayander.
In a formal representation submitted on August 27 to the municipal commissioner and Thane's deputy commissioner of animal husbandry, local animal activist Roshan Pathak demanded the immediate revocation of the fine and a complete overhaul of the civic body's stray feeding policy.
Pathak termed the order illegal, pointing out that Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, explicitly bars local authorities from fining, harassing, or preventing animal lovers from feeding stray animals. The representation noted that these protections are supported by rulings from the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court, as well as guidelines established by the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The activist raised concerns over the allocation of only 20 feeding spots for the entire municipality, which spans an area of 79.4 square kilometres and has a population exceeding 8 lakh. Pathak stated that assigning 20 spots across such a wide jurisdiction is practically unviable because dogs are territorial animals. Forcing them to travel outside their natural zones to feed could trigger violent pack fights, making centralised feeding impossible.
The representation warned that depriving stray dogs of food within their established territories could lead to starvation, increased aggression, higher risks of dog bites, and escalating human-animal conflict. Pathak also noted that the municipal order has emboldened resident associations to harass citizens who feed animals.
Pathak urged the civic body to withdraw the Rs 5,000 penalty immediately, hold joint consultations with local feeders, registered non-governmental organisations, and ward representatives, and designate feeding points every 100 metres based on the territorial ranges of stray populations. He warned that activists in Mira Bhayander would take legal action and approach the High Court if the issue was not resolved within five days.
Responding to the concerns, MBMC veterinary officer Dr Vikram Niratle stated that the initial 20 feeding locations represent only the first phase of the initiative. He noted that the civic body is among the first to assign public feeding zones and plans to expand the number of spots up to 40 across the city, adding that private residential complexes can designate their own internal feeding areas.
