BMC has begun collecting public feedback to create dedicated feeding areas for stray animals across Mumbai. The civic body launched a registration form and helpline to involve citizens in choosing the best community spots
A commuter provides water to a stray dog at Dadar railway station on May 16. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
AMID the ongoing debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s directions to municipal corporations to create dedicated public areas for feeding street animals and relocating strays to municipal community centres, the BMC has issued a public notice seeking feedback from citizens about creating feeding zones. The notice states that BMC is looking to start community feeding spots across the city for cats and dogs.
Recently, the apex court stated that feeding strays in public spaces was now prohibited; however, dedicated feeding zones must be created by municipal bodies. The announcement read: ‘BMC’s Veterinary Health Department is looking to designate community animal feeding spots, we need your help!’
The civic body has circulated a public form for community animal feeders, who can register through this link: https://forms.gle/WEwiDF8dR7tzaetC9 and give suggestions. The BMC has also started a helpline number — 7564976649 — for citizens who wish to call instead of sending in suggestions or queries online.
KA Pathan, who heads BMC’s veterinary health department, said, “We are adhering to the Supreme Court directives to municipal corporations about creating dedicated zones in public for feeding stray animals. At present, the BMC also has rules to govern public feeding. These are available in public, and were released in June this year.”
What is needed?
The forms circulated by the BMC require animal feeders to submit identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, along with a declaration of the number of street animals fed by individuals or groups, and the number of animals sterilised.
There is no deadline for the submission of the details for feedback from citizens. Pathan said, “When we get a sufficient number of responses from citizens, we will start assessing the inputs received regarding designated spots for feeding.”
Civic body’s guidelines
On June 19, the BMC issued detailed guidelines for pet owners, animal feeders, housing societies, schools, tech parks and other institutions in Mumbai. The guidelines, which aimed to reduce conflict and ensure the well-being between animal lovers and residents, stated:
>> Feeding of street dogs and cats is legal, protected by law.
>> Feeders should do so at designated, clean spots away from children’s areas and public pathways.
>> Feeding must be hygienic and should not involve raw meat or leftover food.
>> Feeders should help with the sterilisation and vaccination of the animals.
>> Feeding should be done early morning or late evening when public movement is low.
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