Mumbai Animal Activists Protest Civic Bodies' Removal of Sterilized Stray Dogs
Animal rights activists and feeders in Mumbai are raising their voices in protest against recent incidents where civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), have been picking up healthy, sterilized dogs and confining them in shelters. This action has sparked outrage among the animal welfare community, who argue that it is both cruel and premature, especially as the Supreme Court is yet to deliver a final judgment on the matter of stray dogs.
Incidents of Dog Removal Spark Outrage
Activist Roshan Pathak of the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation highlighted a specific incident on Wednesday, where BMC civic staff allegedly picked up old and neutered dogs from the Chetna College area in Bandra. "They claimed to have orders from a senior politician to remove the dog," Pathak stated. "Despite pleas from animal feeders that the dog is harmless, the staff did not heed their requests, taking the dog away." This has left many in the community feeling helpless and frustrated.
Similarly, activist Vijay Rangare of the Rakshak group reported that the NMMC picked up a 15-year-old dog from the Koparkhairane fire brigade station and placed it in a cage. "This is rather cruel and unethical," Rangare emphasized, pointing out the distress caused to elderly and sterilized animals who pose no threat to public safety.
Political Pressure and False Complaints
Animal activist Arati Chauhan shed light on the underlying issues, suggesting that many animal haters are making false complaints about aggressive dogs to facilitate their removal. "Politicians from the ruling regime are appeasing such individuals by instructing BMC and NMMC to target specific dogs," Chauhan alleged. This has created a tense environment where feeders and activists face harassment.
Recent remarks made by Supreme Court judges during hearings on the stray dogs petition have added to the confusion among citizens. "A mob recently charged at two women feeders in Colaba, which is dangerous," noted a Colaba-based activist. "We hope the Supreme Court issues a final order that supports both dogs and feeders, providing clarity and protection."
Demands for Justice and Release
In response to these actions, activists are demanding immediate measures. Vijay Rangare has called for the NMMC to release healthy dogs previously picked up from the Ghansoli bus depot and to cancel the FIR filed against two women feeders in Ghansoli. "Before any final judgment from the Supreme Court is announced, it is unfair for municipal bodies to unleash cruelty on dogs by taking away their freedom and confining them in small cages," Pathak added, stressing the need for humane treatment.
The protest underscores a growing concern over the welfare of stray dogs in Mumbai, with activists urging civic authorities to reconsider their actions and await legal guidance from the Supreme Court to ensure a balanced and compassionate approach.
