Decision comes post a meeting between Kutchi Sarvodaya Jain Nagar Trust Board, residents, NGO and Deonar police
Four stray dogs were found dead in the society in November this year. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
The residents and office bearers of a Govandi housing society, who were engaged in a tussle over feeding of pets at the premises, seem to be working towards an amicable solution to the problem. A pet feeder from the society has been asked to vacate his home over the matter, but the Kutchi Sarvodaya Jain Nagar (KSJN) Trust Board has agreed to amend the rules related to feeding of pets.
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The housing society — Kutchi Sarvodaya Jain Nagar — has a total of 175 flats divided between two towers. The issue started on June 4 this year when the society issued an eight-point circular, which mentioned that residents would not be allowed to feed pets within the premises. Point 5 in the circular mentioned, “Feeding of pets in the premises will not be allowed. Members will be strictly prohibited from feeding pets on podium 1, 2 and open areas in the compound/road. We request all the members to feed pets outside the KSJN premises.”
Through a circular issued by the society in June, it had barred people from feeding pets within the premises. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
Sanket Bhat and a few other pet lovers in the society objected to the circular. In November, four stray dogs were found dead in the premises. The Deonar police had filed an FIR against an unknown person. The matter turned serious on November 28 when Bhat and some others demanded a meeting with committee members over removing point no. 5 from the circular. Bhat claims that the committee members didn’t hear them out and some residents even abused and attacked his wife. Following this, the Deonar cops registered cross complaints. After a couple of days, the police called for a meeting between all the stakeholders. The KSJN Trust Board, feeders, members of NGO People for Animal and Deonar police discussed the issue.
An officer from Deonar police station said, “There were allegations from both sides. Feeders accused society members of behaving badly and the society members claimed that feeders were creating a nuisance. The issue was discussed and we have reached an amicable solution. Soon the KSJN Trust Board will hold a meeting with the residents and amend the rule that stops people from feeding pets.” Speaking to mid-day, Vijay Rangare, president, People for Animal, Mumbai Unit 2, said, “The rules made by the housing society were against the law. Maneka Gandhi, chairperson of the NGO, also intervened in the matter and directed the cops to resolve the issue as per the law.”
“Though I have to pay a price for raising my voice against the injustice, I am happy that the rule is getting amended. The feeders and residents are not separate entities, we too are aware of our duties. Let’s hope such an environment prevails in every housing society,” said Bhat. When contacted, Sub-Inspector Santosh Gaikwad said, “There was some misunderstanding, which needed to be sorted out. As per the law, no one can stop residents from feeding pets. There was a need for dialogue between the stakeholders and finally it has been done to resolve the issue.”
Jun 4
Day circular was issued barring people from feeding strays
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