Animal rights activists in Navi Mumbai have expressed shock and condemnation after the local municipal body filed a police complaint against two women who feed stray dogs. The incident occurred at the Ghansoli bus depot on Friday when the women questioned civic staff about the removal of healthy, sterilised dogs.
The Confrontation at Ghansoli Bus Depot
According to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), its staff were acting on Supreme Court directives to pick up stray dogs from the Ghansoli bus depot. Two local feeders, identified as Anupreeta Rao and another woman, approached the officials. They asked why vaccinated and sterilised dogs were being taken and inquired about their intended destination.
Dr. S. Todkar, the head of NMMC's veterinary department, alleged that the women obstructed government officials from performing their duty and also used abusive and threatening language. Based on his complaint, the Rabale police registered an FIR against the two feeders under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 35(3), 132, 352, 351, 329, and 3(5).
Feeders and Activists Deny Allegations
The accused feeders have strongly denied the charges of threats and abuse. Anupreeta Rao stated they were polite and only sought clarifications. "We now have to apply for bail against this FIR. We were polite with the NMMC staff, and not abusive," she said.
Roshan Pathak of the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, which has pledged legal support for the women, called the FIR shocking. "The two animal lovers in Ghansoli merely asked the NMMC officials why they were picking up vaccinated and sterilised dogs... This is shocking, to say the least," Pathak said. He also questioned the NMMC's capacity to house the animals, noting a lack of proper shelters in Navi Mumbai beyond the Turbhe sterilisation centre.
Pathak acknowledged that one of the feeders, out of frustration, cursed the NMMC officer, but argued that this did not constitute criminal abuse.
Official Stand and Broader Concerns
NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde defended the action, telling TOI that the feeders were "threatening and abusing our civic staff." He also announced that a new dog shelter had been created at the civic body's Turbhe centre.
The incident has ignited a broader debate on stray animal management in the city. Activist Vijay Rangare of the Rakshak animal welfare group stated they would meet NMMC officials on Monday to discuss the issue and check on the whereabouts of the seized dogs.
Another activist, Madhu Shankar, highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the corporation's actions. "It is sad how quickly the NMMC acts to pick up healthy stray dogs. However, when I complained about an illegal cowshed in Vashi... no civic action was taken," she commented.
The case underscores the ongoing tensions between civic authorities tasked with managing stray animal populations and citizen caregivers who form an informal support system for these animals.
