The BMC put up banners across the city, telling people to not feed pigeons in view of the bird flu outbreak. However, animal lovers have said feeding birds was not a criminal offence and they have the right to do so
BMC's banner asking people to not feed pigeons due to bird flu scare; mid-day’s report on January 23
The recent charges against three people over feeding pigeons in defiance of the BMC’s instructions, have enraged Mumbai’s animal lovers who have demanded withdrawal of the case. They have threatened to protest outside the now-demolished kabutar khana at Lokhandwala Complex if the police won’t do so.
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Debris of the demolished kabutar khana at Lokhandwala Complex
The BMC put up banners across the city, telling people to not feed pigeons in view of the bird flu outbreak. However, animal lovers have said feeding birds was not a criminal offence and they have the right to do so.
Animal lovers have also demanded the reconstruction of the kabutar khana at Lokhandwala Complex. They have written to the BMC, police and the Animal Welfare Board with their demands, and warned of a protest.
The honorary district animal welfare officer, Mitesh Jain, told mid-day, “Feeding birds is not a criminal offence and Amboli police booked the three people without any evidence. We will protest against the police if they don’t dismiss the case.”
“We have also requested the BMC to immediately remove the banner it put up outside kabutar khana at Lokhandwala Complex. Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) of the Indian Constitution states that it is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. Feeding pigeons is not hazardous to health, and putting up such banners is in violation of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” he added.
“Also, there was a kabutar khana in Lokhandwala but the BMC demolished it last year after a complaint from Runwal society. We have asked the BMC, Animal Welfare Board and police to reconstruct it at the same place. If BMC fails to do so, we will protest,” Jain said.
The Amboli police had booked Bharat Sharma, a film director and Lokhandwala resident, for feeding pigeons, and Jethalal Chadwa and Ratan Chadwa for selling bird food. They had filed another case in March, 2020, against shop owner Ratan Chadwa and his son for selling pigeon food.
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