Navi Mumbai Animal Welfare Officer Alleges Municipal Corporation Violating ABC Rules
Animal welfare officer Seema Tank from Navi Mumbai has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged detention of sterilized stray dogs by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). Tank claims this practice appears inconsistent with established guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
Formal Complaint and Lack of Response
On January 29, Tank submitted a detailed representation to the NMMC commissioner, providing specific information about locations where sterilized stray dogs were reportedly being held. According to her complaint, these dogs have been kept in what she describes as "jail-like lock-ups" since January 9. Despite this formal submission, Tank states she has received no response from the municipal corporation even after one month.
"Under the ABC Rules and directions issued by the Supreme Court, healthy, vaccinated, and sterilized stray dogs must be released back into their original territory after completion of the prescribed procedure," Tank emphasized. She further explained that dogs picked up following public complaints may only be kept for temporary behavioral observation, typically not exceeding two weeks.
Specific Cases and Location Details
According to animal welfare representatives, several healthy dogs from areas including the Ghansoli bus depot and near Belapur Court are currently being housed at the IDA (In Defence of Animals) ABC Centre within NMMC jurisdiction. These dogs, allegedly picked up on January 9, have not been returned to their original locations despite being described as non-aggressive.
Animal welfare advocates argue that ABC centres are primarily intended for sterilization and vaccination procedures, not for long-term confinement. They warn that prolonged detention could reduce the operational capacity of these centres and undermine the fundamental objectives of the ABC programme.
Infrastructure and Legal Compliance Concerns
Tank raised additional concerns about the facilities being used for detention. She claimed that NMMC does not currently operate a fully equipped shelter meeting Supreme Court standards. Legal provisions require that any facility used for detaining stray dogs must have:
- Adequate infrastructure
- Qualified veterinary staff
- Proper medical and hygiene facilities
- Trained caretakers
- Humane living conditions
In the absence of such facilities, continued confinement of stray dogs may raise significant legal and ethical concerns, according to Tank.
Municipal Corporation's Response
Dr. Srikant Todkar, Head of Department of the NMMC veterinary department, provided a different perspective. "As per Supreme Court guidelines, we picked up as many as 28 stray dogs across Navi Mumbai, including six sterilized stray dogs near Ghansoli bus depot," he explained. "It was risky that they could have been harmed as they slept under the NMMT buses at the depot."
Dr. Todkar further noted that even a female dog and her six puppies were picked up from near Belapur court. These animals were sterilized at the animal care centre in Turbhe before being released back to their original locations.
Broader Animal Welfare Infrastructure Gaps
The controversy has drawn attention to broader gaps in animal welfare infrastructure within Navi Mumbai. Activists point out that the city lacks a full-scale municipal animal hospital serving the extensive stretch between Vashi, Panvel, and Thane. Additionally, the city is said to lack adequate animal cremation facilities.
Multiple written complaints, emails, and social media representations have reportedly been addressed to NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde, requesting the release of healthy stray dogs back to their territories. An RTI application has also been filed seeking clarification on whether the IDA facility is officially designated as an ABC centre or a shelter, along with related tender details.
A separate RTI application has reportedly been filed seeking details on the status of the long-pending animal hospital project, including sanctioned funds, expenditure, and reasons for delay.
Legal Action and Police Involvement
Social activist Sanchu Menon raised questions about accountability, stating, "If detained stray dogs suffer illness, infection, neglect or death due to improper confinement, questions of accountability could arise." Menon contrasted the municipal corporation's response to different issues, noting that while NMMC has taken legal action against construction sites for pollution violations, animal welfare complaints seem to be receiving less attention.
Dr. Todkar revealed that during the January 9 operation to pick up six stray dogs near Ghansoli bus depot, some animal activists objected and created disturbances. Consequently, an FIR has been registered at Rabale police station under relevant BNS sections against two accused women identified as Laren Kamat and Anuprita Rao, both Ghansoli residents. The charges include assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant to deter them from discharging their duty.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between animal welfare advocates and municipal authorities regarding the implementation of animal birth control programmes and the treatment of stray animals in urban environments.
