Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Stands Firm on Stray Dog Feeding Rights
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), the central government’s nodal body for animal welfare, has issued a stern warning against Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and individuals who obstruct the feeding of stray dogs within gated communities. AWBI has emphasized that such actions could lead to legal consequences.
Feeders: Essential Partners in Animal Birth Control
Feeders play a significant role in AWBI’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, which is designed to reduce the stray dog population and prevent dog bite incidents. Despite their crucial contributions, feeders often face hostility and social backlash from residents opposed to the presence of stray dogs.
AWBI Secretary Sujit Dutta has made it clear that feeding stray dogs is a constitutional right. “Harassing or intimidating dog feeders is a crime. We will not tolerate harassment of dog feeders under any circumstances,” Dutta stated in a statement to the media.
Legal Backing for Feeding Strays
The Supreme Court of India has reiterated that stray dogs have a right to food, and citizens have the right to feed them. Additionally, it is illegal to relocate or drive away strays from a society. AWBI has urged RWAs to refrain from creating any regulations that conflict with established laws.
Promoting Harmony Through Responsible Feeding
To mitigate human-animal conflict, AWBI has recommended that all RWAs actively participate in sterilising and immunising their community dogs. Societies are encouraged to work collaboratively with local feeders to designate multiple feeding spots within their premises rather than outside.
AWBI Secretary Dutta also advised feeders to act responsibly and ensure that their actions do not inconvenience other residents. “Dogs should be fed properly, but feeders must also be considerate of their surroundings,” he added.
Recent Incidents of Harassment
Several reports have emerged of feeders being subjected to verbal abuse and online harassment in cities like Gurgaon. In South City 2, some residents expressed fear over threats of forcibly removing the dogs using connections within the local civic body. Despite such intimidation, the newly elected Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) councillor, Bharti Harsana, has extended support to dog feeders.
“Dogs cannot be relocated from any gated society as per the law. My focus will be on ensuring peaceful coexistence between humans and animals,” assured Harsana, who represents ward number 15 in Gurgaon.
Encouraging Compassionate Coexistence
AWBI’s directive highlights the importance of empathy and mutual understanding in resolving conflicts related to stray animals. By cooperating with feeders, RWAs can contribute to a safer and more harmonious environment for both residents and stray dogs. Ultimately, promoting awareness and responsible practices can lead to a community where compassion and coexistence thrive.