Archive · 24 Sep 2026
MBMC’s ₹5,000 Stray-Dog Feeding Fine Faces Legal Review
The Mira Bhayandar civic body chose special places where people can feed stray dogs.
It said people could be fined up to ₹5,000 for feeding dogs elsewhere.
Officials said this was because residents complained about mess, bad smells, and public nuisance.
Animal welfare activists disagreed with the fine.
Activist Roshan Pathak complained to the District Animal Husbandry Department.
The department is now checking whether the fine is legally allowed.
It asked MBMC to consult its legal department and follow animal birth-control rules.
MBMC says feeding dogs is not banned and that more feeding spots may be added.
The District Animal Husbandry Department ordered an inquiry into MBMC’s ₹5,000 fine.
The penalty applies to feeding stray dogs outside designated locations.
MBMC introduced designated feeding spots after complaints about nuisance, odors, and unsanitary conditions.
Animal welfare activist Roshan Pathak challenged the municipal decision through an official complaint.
MBMC must seek legal advice and submit an action-taken report within seven days.
- Who
- The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, the District Animal Husbandry Department, and animal welfare activists including Roshan Pathak.
- What
- The legality of MBMC’s fine of up to ₹5,000 for feeding stray dogs outside designated spots is being reviewed.
- When
- The department sent its formal instruction on September 4 and gave MBMC seven days to submit an action-taken report.
- Where
- Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.
- Why
- MBMC cited complaints about public nuisance, foul odor, and unsanitary conditions linked to open feeding.
Animal Welfare Activists
Municipal Authorities
Legality of the fine
Animal Welfare Activists
Activists opposed the municipal decision and sought official review of the ₹5,000 penalty.
Municipal Authorities
MBMC imposed the penalty for feeding outside designated locations, but its legal validity is now being examined.
Regulating dog feeding
Animal Welfare Activists
The challenge emphasizes the need for the policy to comply with animal-protection rules and guidelines.
Municipal Authorities
MBMC says feeding stray dogs is not banned and that it will increase the number of designated feeding spots.
Reason for municipal action
Animal Welfare Activists
Animal welfare activists objected to the restrictions on feeding stray dogs.
Municipal Authorities
Municipal authorities cited complaints about public nuisance, foul odor, and unsanitary conditions caused by open feeding.
- Maximum fine
- ₹5,000
- Affected activity
- Feeding stray dogs outside designated feeding locations
- Reviewing authority
- District Animal Husbandry Department
- Complaint filed by
- Animal welfare activist Roshan Pathak
- Instruction date
- September 4
- MBMC deadline
- Seven days to submit an action-taken report
- Relevant guidance
- Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines