Residents instructed to not harass or relocate dogs again or face penalties; all dogs sterilised; On April 17, mid-day published a report titled ‘Housing society accused of dumping strays in aarey colony, two pups dead’ after a video surfaced on social media
All the dogs were sterilised and vaccinated and returned to the society premises on Friday. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Following mid-day's earlier report on the illegal relocation of stray dogs from a Kandivli SRA housing society to Aarey Milk Colony, 11 of the rescued dogs have now been sterilised and vaccinated and returned to the society premises on Friday.
Vijay Rangare, honorary animal welfare officer and Mumbai president of the NGO People for Animals (PFA), told mid-day, “SRA officials have assured us that the administrator appointed to oversee the society will instruct members not to harass or relocate the dogs. If anyone is found doing so, a police complaint will be filed under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”
Rangare had earlier lodged a complaint with the SRA head office on April 21. In response, the SRA directed the housing society to adhere strictly to legal provisions regarding the treatment of pets and community animals. Besides the 11 dogs that had been rescued, two puppies were found dead, and six dogs remained missing. A search operation is still underway to locate the missing animals.
On April 17, mid-day published a report titled ‘Housing society accused of dumping strays in Aarey colony, two pups dead’ after a video surfaced on social media. The video showed stray dogs and puppies being transported in a small goods vehicle to Aarey Milk Colony. Currently, four residents of the Kandivli East SRA housing society have been booked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Activist Speak
Animal rights activist Reshma Shelatkar said, “Relocating community dogs and cats is an offence that leads to trauma and even death due to starvation in unfamiliar surroundings. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution grants every species the right to life, security, dignity, and honour. It is with great pride that the relocated dogs are returning to the place they know as home. It’s time residents learn to coexist peacefully with these animals.”
Notice to residents
The official letter circulated to residents by the SRA-appointed administrator states: “This is to formally inform all members of Samarth Nagar Housing Society that the community dogs, previously and unlawfully relocated to Aarey Forest, will now be returned to their original location within the society premises. This action is in strict compliance with government regulations, multiple court directives, and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.”
The letter includes several key points for residents to follow:
Sterilisation and vaccination: The dogs have undergone sterilisation and vaccination under an authorised ABC (Animal Birth Control) programme. Their presence does not pose a health or overpopulation threat.
Legal protection: Any attempt to harm, displace, or mistreat these animals will lead to legal action under Sections 11, 428, and 429 of the IPC, as well as the PCA Act, 1960.
Feeding and care: Designated caregivers from People for Animals (Mumbai Unit), guided by Chairperson Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, will be responsible for the dogs' daily care. Their contact details have been shared with the society.
Legal framework: The relocation of stray dogs is strictly prohibited under the ABC (Dogs) Rules, 2001. These rules advocate for sterilisation and vaccination, not displacement.
Monitoring committee: A committee has been set up to supervise ABC programme implementation. The letter also cites Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which urges citizens to show compassion toward all living creatures.
Liability and feeding: The letter refers to Section 291 of the BNS, explaining that negligence causing harm through animals is punishable. It clarifies that while those who feed strays may be held liable in some cases, there is no blanket ban on feeding.
Protection from harassment: The letter reminds residents that Ministry of Public Grievances and Animal Welfare Board of India notifications protect individuals who feed or care for strays from harassment by RWAs or authorities.
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