Upscale Navi Mumbai society sends woman bill of Rs 7 lakh for feeding strays

The upscale NRI Complex at Seawoods in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai's NRI Complex has sent a bill of Rs 7 lakh to a resident for feeding stray dogs on the society premises. The upscale residential colony has banned the feeding of the canines on its property and has allegedly warned members of stopping various services if they fail to obey its rules. Those at the receiving end of the action say it has strengthened their resolve to continue the good work.

Anshu Singh, who was handed the massive penalty

As per the rules of the society in Seawoods, anyone found feeding animals on the premises will be fined Rs 1,000 which will be raised to Rs 5,000 for the second violation. The managing committee has allegedly threatened such residents with strict action. However, some of those feeding the animals said they are ready for a fight despite having received bills running into lakhs over the past six to seven months. The NRI Complex on Palm Beach Road has 44 towers with over 5,000 residents.

"I have been given a Rs 7 lakh bill for feeding animals on the society premises. I follow all the rules of the society. There are two dogs inside the society and they are too old. It's quite difficult to take them out of the society and give them food. If I don't give them food they will die. Another society member Mona Singh who too feeds dogs has been fined Rs 6 lakh," said Anshu Singh, who lives in building no. 1 of the NRI Complex.

Leela Sharma, another society resident, feeding strays

Another resident, Leela Sharma, said, "I have been fined Rs 50,000 for feeding dogs. I am 60 years old. I go down daily to feed dogs and also take care of them. What is wrong with that?" Advocate Siddh Vidhya, who has come forward to help the dog lovers, said, "According to the Animal Welfare Board of India, any animal living in an area cannot be relocated to some other place. To fine people for feeding animals is against the law. We have also complained against the society to the Animal Welfare Board."

NRI Complex chairman Vinita Shreenandan told mid-day, "For feeding animals, we have created a fixed place inside the society. To save the animals, we created different rules and society members have to follow them. We fined those who are not following the rules."