Mumbai: A BMC-appointed committee on Dec 2 allotted six animal feeding spots in the Mahalaxmi area, under the jurisdiction of Gamdevi police station. This decision followed an earlier complaint by animal feeders about being harassed while showing compassion for cats and dogs by giving them food.
The BMC head of the veterinary department and general manager of the Deonar municipal abattoir, Kalimpasha Pathan, told TOI: “We have officially identified and allocated six feeding spots in that particular south Mumbai area after our committee meeting was held, and our committee members also physically visited the area for this purpose.”
When asked about past complaints by feeders about being bullied and stopped from feeding the cats and dogs in that area by a few individuals, Pathan said: “There was some human-animal conflict regarding the feeding of animals in that region. However, our committee studied the matter and legally went by the rules so that the feeders can peacefully give food to the animals. Our civic body (BMC) is at the forefront in taking proactive steps regarding animal feeding and also animal birth control measures.”
The committee members, which included the assistant general manager (Deonar abattoir) Dr Sachin Kulkarni, senior BMC veterinary officer, Dr Yogesh Wankhede, police inspector from Gamdevi, Sarika Kodape, activist Abodh Aras of Welfare of Stray Dogs-Mumbai, and the complainant Pallavi Patil, among others, agreed to adhere to the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 and also ensure that there is no littering at the feeding spots. Also, the animal feeding will be carried out after 10 pm.
Activist and complainant, Pallavi Patil, said: “We are relieved that BMC has formally given us at least six feeding spots. This decision by the civic committee will immensely benefit all animal feeders who may be facing similar problems from locals in their areas. In the past, there were allegations and complaints against the feeder that the area becomes dirty or religious sentiments are hurt. However, the feeder and I deny such baseless allegations.”
The locations of some of these feeding spots are: Footpath between the Panjab Sind Foods Stall and wall of Bhulabhai Desai road BMC garden; Footpath adjacent to Mona Apartment; Footpath on the Navroji Gamadia road; Besides Akruti building, among other sites.