Mumbai: Animal lovers oppose ban on feeding near Mantralaya

A stray dog seen roaming inside the Mantralaya premises. Pic/Twitter

Several animal lovers and feeders have lodged complaints with the Mantralaya, urging authorities to reconsider the decision against feeding birds and animals in the vicinity. The Maharashtra Government's home department recently issued a circular to the Mantralaya, stating that feeding of stray cats, dogs, birds and other domestic animals inside and around the premises should be stopped.

This government resolution (GR) released on September 26 also called for the BMC to take immediate action to prevent animals from entering the Mantralaya. Animal lovers have expressed their opposition to this GR, arguing that it goes against the law and that feeding animals is their right. Numerous animal lovers and feeders have lodged complaints with the Mantralaya, urging them to reconsider this decision since the circular was issued.

According to the GR issued by the Maharashtra Government, it is now prohibited to have stray animals inside the Mantralaya. To enforce this, the BMC has been asked to take responsibility and implement preventive measures. Additionally, a one-meter-long grill must be installed along the back of the Mantralaya garden to prevent animals from entering. The Public Works Department has been instructed to install netting on top of the perimeter grill at the Arsa Gate area, from the rear side towards the garden gate.

Animal feeders estimate that around 80-90 cats and 20-25 dogs currently reside within the Mantralaya, with many of the feeders being employees of the establishment themselves. These employees often collaborate with local feeders to ensure the animals are taken care of.

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Animal lover Sneha Visaria, the founder of the Just Smile Charitable Trust, expressed her concerns regarding the GR, stating that feeding stray cats, dogs and birds is a right of every citizen. "The GR's instructions to relocate and potentially abandon these animals are deemed inhumane and a violation of the law," she said, urging for the removal of clause No. 20 from the GR.

She further emphasised that the Mantralaya, which has an Animal Committee and where the High Court and Supreme Court have already made it clear that relocating domestic animals is considered a crime, should not be sending such a negative message to society. According to Visaria, the Indian Constitution also emphasises the importance of animal welfare and supports feeders.

Tanaya D'Souza, another feeder, added that Mother Earth belongs to all living beings and not just humans. She questioned the rationale behind issuing such GRs that go against the welfare of animals. D'Souza expressed concern saying all animals in India should be protected under the Constitution.

Animal lovers and feeders have bee argue that such actions are illegal and inhumane in nature. They have been vehemently opposing the Maharashtra Government's GR that prohibits the feeding of stray animals and mandates their relocation from the Mantralaya premises. They have also been urging authorities for the removal of clause No. 20 from the GR.

Sept 26
Day order was issued