52 mins ago
Mira-Bhayandar Activist Challenges ₹5,000 Fine As MBMC Plans More Spots
Mira-Bhayandar has created 20 places where people can feed stray dogs.
People who feed dogs elsewhere could be fined up to ₹5,000.
Animal activist Roshan Pathak says there are too few places for the city.
He says dogs may fight or become more aggressive if they must leave their usual areas to find food.
He also says the rule may conflict with animal-welfare protections.
Pathak wants the fines cancelled and more feeding points created.
MBMC says the 20 locations are only the first phase.
The civic body is considering increasing the number to about 40, while private housing complexes may create their own spots.
Animal activist Roshan Pathak has opposed MBMC’s ₹5,000 penalty for feeding stray dogs outside 20 designated locations.
Pathak called the directive illegal and said 20 spots are inadequate for a city spanning 79.4 sq. km. with more than eight lakh residents.
He argued that forcing territorial dogs to travel for food could cause pack fights, starvation, aggression and increased human-animal conflict.
Pathak cited the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and court directives while seeking withdrawal of the fine and consultations with feeders, NGOs and ward representatives.
MBMC veterinary officer Dr Vikram Niratle said the 20 locations are an initial phase, with the civic body considering up to 40 spots.
- Who
- Animal activist Roshan Pathak and the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, represented by veterinary officer Dr Vikram Niratle.
- What
- Pathak is challenging MBMC’s ₹5,000 fine for feeding stray dogs outside designated areas, while MBMC plans to add more locations.
- Where
- Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, across the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s 79.4-square-kilometre jurisdiction.
- When
- Pathak sent his representation on August 27, 2026; the report is dated September 2, 2026.
- Why
- Pathak says 20 feeding spots are inadequate and could increase conflict, while MBMC says the locations are the first phase of a broader plan.
Activist’s Objections
MBMC’s Position
Adequacy of feeding locations
Activist’s Objections
Roshan Pathak says 20 spots are grossly inadequate for the city and wants feeding points every 100 metres.
MBMC’s Position
MBMC says the 20 locations are only the first phase and that the number may increase to about 40.
Effect of restricting feeding
Activist’s Objections
Pathak says forcing dogs away from their territories could cause fights, starvation, aggression, dog bites and greater human-animal conflict.
MBMC’s Position
MBMC’s stated approach is to provide public feeding zones and allow private complexes to create additional designated areas.
Legality of penalties
Activist’s Objections
Pathak calls the fine illegal and argues that animal-welfare rules and court directives protect people who feed stray animals.
MBMC’s Position
MBMC’s veterinary officer defended the designated-zone initiative but did not state in the report whether the penalty would be withdrawn.
Key facts
- Penalty
- Up to ₹5,000 for feeding stray dogs outside designated spots.
- Current feeding locations
- 20 locations designated by MBMC.
- Planned expansion
- MBMC is considering up to 40 feeding spots.
- Municipal area
- 79.4 square kilometres.
- Population
- More than eight lakh people.
- Activist’s proposal
- Feeding points every 100 metres, based on stray dogs’ territorial ranges.
- Private complexes
- Housing complexes may establish their own designated feeding areas.
Quotes
Dr Vikram Niratle
MBMC veterinary officer explaining the corporation’s planned expansion of feeding locations.
“The municipality's guidelines will increase the number of dog bite cases as well as cruelty to both – animals and humans. If this issue is not resolved within five days, all animal lovers and activists in Mira-Bhayander will be obliged to take legal action and approach the High Court.”
freepressjournal.in
“MBMC is the one of the first to assign public feeding zones. The plan is to introduce more feeding spots, up to maybe 40 across the city. Apart from these public spots, private complexes can have their own designated feeding areas.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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