Take back order against feeders: Animal Welfare Board tells Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation

Fearing action, Kalyan-Dombivli feeders had stopped feeding strays

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has told the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to take back an order regarding feeding of stray animals and birds. In April, the KDMC had ordered citizens not to feed animals and announced a penalty of Rs 1,000 on feeders. The AWBI said that feeders have the right to feed stray animals and birds.

Earlier, the municipal bodies of Mumbai and Vasai-Virar had put up banners warning citizens against feeding animals and announced a penalty of Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. These were removed after the AWBI told them that their order goes against Article 51A (g) of the Constitution and a Supreme Court order which says that people have the right to feed stray animals.

The KDMC's April 7 order had distressed animal and bird lovers in the city. Residential societies were citing the order and prohibiting feeding stray dogs, cats and pigeons. Dr SK Dutta, secretary, AWBI had written to the animal husbandry department and the civic and police authorities in Kalyan about this.

Honorary District Animal Welfare Officer Mitesh Jain said, "Feeders were scared of fines and legal trouble and stopped feeding birds and animals in their areas. I brought this matter to AWBI's notice. This KDMC order was subjecting animals and birds to hunger and thirst, which is an offence under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960. The order has been dismissed and people can feed animals and birds freely. However, feeders must make sure they leave the feeding area clean."

Article 51A (g) of the Constitution states the following: It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.

07
Day KDMC issued the order