1 day ago
MBMC Stray-Feeding Fine Faces Legal Review in Thane
Mira Bhayandar’s municipal corporation created rules about where people can feed stray dogs and cats.
People who feed animals outside the approved places could be fined ₹5,000.
There are currently 20 designated feeding spots.
An animal husbandry official in Thane has asked the corporation to check whether this fine is legally allowed.
The corporation must examine the rule and reply within seven days.
The review will use animal birth-control rules and government animal-welfare guidelines.
Activist Roshan Pathak says feeding animals is a protected right and duty.
MBMC says the 20 spots are only a starting point and may increase to 40.
The disagreement is now being examined by district authorities.
Thane’s District Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry asked MBMC to verify the legality of its ₹5,000 stray-feeding fine.
The penalty applies to feeding community dogs and cats outside Mira Bhayandar’s 20 designated feeding spots.
MBMC must review the order through its Law and Justice Department and submit an action-taken report within seven days.
The review will consider the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, Animal Welfare Board of India directives, and Maharashtra guidelines.
Activist Roshan Pathak called the fine illegal, while MBMC said the 20 locations were an initial phase that could expand to 40 spots.
- Who
- The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, Thane’s District Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, and animal welfare activist Roshan Pathak.
- What
- MBMC’s ₹5,000 penalty for feeding stray dogs and cats outside designated locations is undergoing a legal review.
- Where
- Mira Bhayandar in Thane district, Maharashtra.
- When
- The district directive was issued on September 5, 2026, with MBMC given seven days to respond.
- Why
- District authorities want to determine whether the penalty complies with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, Animal Welfare Board of India directives, and Maharashtra guidelines.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Municipal Regulation
Legality of the fine
Animal Welfare Concerns
Roshan Pathak said the ₹5,000 fine for feeding animals outside designated zones is illegal and may conflict with animal-welfare rules and court judgments.
Municipal Regulation
MBMC’s penalty is being reviewed by its Law and Justice Department after district authorities questioned whether it has a legal basis.
Number of feeding locations
Animal Welfare Concerns
Pathak argued that 20 feeding spots are inadequate for the city’s large number of stray animals.
Municipal Regulation
MBMC Veterinary Officer Dr Vikram Niratle said the 20 locations are only a rollout phase, with plans to expand to 40 public spots and include private residential arrangements.
Possible effects of the order
Animal Welfare Concerns
Pathak warned that the rules could be used to harass feeders, increase dog-bite cases, and create conflict between residents and animal lovers.
Municipal Regulation
The civic order seeks to restrict feeding to designated locations, although district authorities have asked MBMC to ensure the approach complies with statutory standards.
Key facts
- Penalty
- ₹5,000 for feeding community dogs and cats outside designated spots.
- Current feeding spots
- 20 locations across Mira Bhayandar.
- Possible expansion
- MBMC’s veterinary officer said the number could eventually increase to 40 public spots, alongside private residential arrangements.
- Reviewing authority
- Thane’s District Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, who is also member secretary of the District Animal Cruelty Prevention Society.
- MBMC deadline
- Seven days to submit an action-taken report.
- Rules cited
- Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023; Animal Welfare Board of India directives; and Maharashtra state guidelines.
Quotes
Roshan Pathak
Animal welfare activist who complained to MBMC about the feeding restrictions
“Rs 5,000 fine for feeding an animal in a non-feeding zone is an illegal act.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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