MUMBAI: Animal rights groups have urged all citizens as well as authorities to ensure peace and harmony while feeders give food to street dogs and cats. Alarmed by a few cases of heightened aggression against animal feeders by the local residents, the activists have also highlighted their constitutional rights under Article 51 A(g), that is to show compassion towards all living creatures.
"Recently, there was a case in Malwani area of Malad (west) where animal feeders of one family were assaulted by animal haters who did not want dogs in the area. Police registered cross complaints of assault in this, but now the issue is that no one is feeding the street dogs as a result of this ugly fracas. The BMC, SPCAs and other authorities must step in to do the needful and help the feeders,'' said the honorary district animal welfare officer, Mitesh Jain.
The former CEO of Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), Lt Colonel J C Khanna, commented: "There is at times tremendous opposition towards animal feeders, who are only distributing food among the mute animals out of kindness and compassion. I suggest that all animal feeders must contact the AWBI and get their registered ID cards, so that they can show them to anyone who objects. Also, our animal inspectors of BSPCA are authorized to go to any place where such disputes have arisen and try to resolve the matter peacefully. It is, however, unfortunate and uncalled for if it leads to assault or even hitting of animals."
Jain added: "Several animal rights groups are planning to go and meet senior civic, SPCA and police officials to discuss this serious problem, as animal feeders cannot be denied their right to give food to dogs. Often, I have seen how women feeders go out in the streets at midnight to provide food that they have themselves cooked for the local community dogs and cats. This is dedication and love for animals."
Powai based animal feeder, Madhavi Shah, commented: "I myself go out late at night to feed our local animals. There is another local feeder who has told me that a few people are objecting to this activity. Hence, I also feel that the state authorities must resolve this persistent local issue at the highest level for once and for all."
One of the oft repeated point by those against animal feeding is that it increases the number of dogs in their area, leading to instances of barking etc that scares away their children.
To this, activist Vijay Rangare of People for Animals (PFA, Unit-2), said: "If you give even one biscuit to a dog, he will become your friend for life. Animals do not really run after kids. Only if any dog or cat is provoked by anyone who throws stones at them, then they can get angry. Also, it is illegal to harm or injure any animal under IPC section 429 and under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.''
Rangare further added: ``Recently, we had complained to the Navi Mumbai police after a watchman of a Kalamboli society was seen beating a puppy. The matter was later resolved after the cops warned the watchman. Everyone must understand that animals like dogs, cats have been existing in urban areas even before the new buildings and towers cropped up. Hence, it is best to peacefully coexist with them.''
Activist Bhavin Gathani of Karuna Parivar NGO in Mumbai, said: ``In the past, I have had to intervene in several such fights over feeding of dogs, cats. However, once the laws on animal rights protection are shown to the animal-haters, they do back off. But, some of them stubbornly continue to prevent the feeders from doing their work, which is when the law enforcers must step in and amicably solve the matter before it leads to assault.''
Meanwhile, animal activist NGOs like PETA India have also urged all societies to keep water bowls at a designated space to keep the animals hydrated, besides feeding them.
"I had earlier also distributed a booklet on various animal rights laws, including Article 51 A(g) of our Constitution to various societies and also police stations so that such local disputes do not arise. All feeders also maintain cleanliness after feeding time, so there should not be any problem at all,'' said another city activist.
Regular sterilization of street dogs, and cats is also taking place in all the municipal wards as a legal Animal Birth Control (ABC) measure.