Animal rights activists have demanded the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to intervene and direct Mumbai Metro One to allow feeding stray animals living on the station premises.
On April 2, The Free Press Journal reported that animal feeders have been allegedly harassed by the staff of Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) for feeding the stray animals living inside the station premises. One of the feeders had also alleged an illegal relocation of a cat and her five kittens at Saki Naka metro station.
Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, a non-governmental organisation ensuring well being of community animals, had held a meeting with the senior security manager of MMOPL after the complaints from the feeders. The NGO urged the authorities to allow the feeding of stray animals according to the rules of the AWBI.
However, as the metro authorities failed to take any decision within the stipulated timeframe of two days, the PAL Foundation has written to AWBI seeking their intervention in the matter. The letter alleged that multiple feeders have faced harassment from metro staff, and also alleged cruelty towards the animals.
The animal rights organisation claimed the existence of around four to five animals at each metro station on the ‘Blue Line’ and the feeders have been feeding the stray on station premises for five years. It demanded AWBI direct the metro authorities to comply with the legal requirements to ensure the welfare of these animals and immediately stop the alleged continuous harassment against the feeders.
Roshan Pathak, animal rights advisor with PAL Foundation, said, “The feeding spots shall be within the premises, far from crowded areas, entry and exit points, staircase or in an area which is likely to be least frequented by humans. We have requested AWBI’s cooperation in designating a feeding zone following its guidelines, ensuring mutual understanding so that both humans and animals can be properly cared for.”
The NGO also highlighted the necessity of people and metro authorities to be aware that relocation of animals is considered a criminal offense under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Any person who beats, kicks, tortures, or inflicts unnecessary pain or suffering on an animal shall be held legally responsible, it added.
