The District Animal Husbandry Department has directed the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to examine the legal validity of its decision to impose a fine of up to ₹5,000 on people who feed stray dogs at locations other than those designated by the civic body.
The direction follows a complaint filed by animal welfare activist Roshan Pathak, who objected to the municipal corporation’s decision to restrict stray-dog feeding to designated locations.
MBMC Designated Feeding Spots
The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation has identified specific locations across the city where residents can feed stray dogs. The civic body had also introduced a provision for imposing fines on those who feed dogs in public areas outside the designated spots.
According to the municipal administration, the decision was taken after receiving complaints from residents about inconvenience, foul odour and unhygienic conditions allegedly arising from feeding dogs at various public places.
The civic body had clarified that feeding stray dogs had not been completely banned. Instead, it said the number of designated feeding locations would be increased to provide more options for residents and animal feeders.
Animal Welfare Activist Challenges Fine
The restriction, however, faced opposition from animal lovers and animal welfare activists. Following the objections, Roshan Pathak submitted a complaint to the District Animal Husbandry Department, questioning the legality of the ₹5,000 fine.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the District Animal Husbandry Department sent a letter to the MBMC administration on September 4, directing it to examine the legal validity of the provision.
The department has also asked the municipal corporation to obtain an official opinion from its Law Department before proceeding further with the fine.
Compliance With Animal Birth Control Rules, AWBI Guidelines
The District Animal Husbandry Department has further instructed the civic body to ensure that any action taken against people feeding stray dogs complies with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, as well as relevant guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
The municipal administration has been asked to submit a report detailing the action taken in the matter to the District Animal Husbandry Department within seven days.
Final Decision After Legal Review
The legality of the ₹5,000 fine will now be examined by the MBMC administration in consultation with its Law Department.
Until the legal review is completed, the civic body’s earlier position remains that feeding stray dogs is not prohibited altogether, but that feeding should take place at designated locations. The MBMC has also indicated that additional feeding spots may be identified across the city.
The next course of action is expected to be determined after the municipal corporation receives the Law Department’s opinion on the validity of the fine.