Published by PawPaa | June 22, 2025
Report Source: Free Press Journal – June 22, 2025
Reported by: Dhairya Gajara
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In a crucial win for street animal rights and their protectors, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have directed a prominent housing society in Powai, Mumbai, to form an Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) after alarming reports of attempted illegal dog relocation and harassment of a feeder.
This proactive step came following a complaint by Shalini Singh, a resident of Kanakia Silicon Valley, who faced hostility from the society’s managing committee and residents for feeding community dogs. She accused the management of violating legal protections and trying to unlawfully remove the dogs.
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⚖️ What the AWBI Said
In its letter dated June 16, the AWBI instructed the housing society to set up an Animal Welfare Committee that must include:
The Chief Veterinary Officer
Local police representatives
SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
A recognised animal welfare NGO
The complainant (Shalini Singh)
A representative from the Resident Welfare Association
The AWBI stressed that the committee’s formation must be followed by an Action Taken Report and made it clear that no violations of the Animal Birth Control Rules or any AWBI-issued guidelines will be tolerated.
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🏢 BMC Steps In Too
Echoing AWBI’s stand, the BMC’s veterinary health department also reached out to the society on the same day. They:
Instructed immediate action on the complaint
Educated the managing committee on AWBI guidelines
Clarified that intimidation, illegal relocation, and harassment of feeders are violations of multiple legal provisions
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🚨 Harassment and Legal Intervention
Singh also filed a non-cognisable complaint at Park Site police station against six society members for harassment via the society’s WhatsApp group. She sought legal help through the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, which is now prepared to issue legal notices if the society continues its aggressive stance.
> “Educated people in high-rise societies often form their own illegal rules and use them to intimidate feeders and street animals. Awareness programs must be introduced in such spaces,” said Roshan Pathak, Animal Welfare Advisor at PAL Foundation.
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🐶 PawPaa’s Take
At PawPaa, we strongly believe that coexistence is not a choice—it’s a responsibility. Community dogs are protected under Indian law and deserve respect, care, and safety in their own territory. Feeder harassment is not just unethical—it’s unlawful.
We applaud the swift actions by AWBI and BMC and stand with citizens like Shalini Singh, who speak up despite resistance. These events are a reminder for all housing societies across India: compassion is not optional, and legality supports it.
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📌 Original News Report Date: June 21, 2025
📌 Published By: Free Press Journal
📌 Report Author: Dhairya Gajara
📎 Full Article Link
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🐾 Let’s be the voice they don’t have.
#StrayRightsAreLegalRights | #PawPaaCares | #FeedWithPride | #ProtectOurStreetAnimals
