By IANS,
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Thursday gave a green signal to the Animal Welfare Board of India to allocate separate zones and specific timings to feed the stray dogs in the capital.
Justice V.K.Jain directed the board to start identifying the places in various areas in a phased manner and then implement it in all the colonies.
“Everything should be done keeping in mind the convenience of residents as well. They should not be harassed unnecessarily,” the judge noted.
In the guidelines submitted to the court, the Animal Welfare Board said community dogs must be fed and tended to at places which are not frequently used by the general public and residents.
“Public paths should be avoided and vacant lands may be used for feeding them,” the suggestion included.
Seeking that the feeding be done at specified timings, the board said feeding should not be undertaken more than twice a day. “It should be done in the most hygienic manner. Clean bowls for both food and water must be used. No packets areto be left behind after feeding is over. Water bowls to be replaced at regular intervals.”
The court also directed the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Delhi Police to cooperate for creating special zones for stray animals.
Meera Bhatia, standing counsel for Delhi Police, informed the court that the police station in charge concerned will help the Animal Welfare Board to find a suitable place for stray dogs in all areas.
The court also directed the board to take care of the dogs and give them proper vaccination on regular basis and asked it to file a compliance report by May 10, the next date of hearing.
One of the petitioners, Namrata Chanda, earlier this year had sought a direction for security to her as some of her neighbours had allegedly assaulted her for feeding dogs.
She claimed that being an animal rights activist, she also regularly insured vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Jasmine Damkewala, a practising lawyer, who was also one of the victims of neighbours’ assault, also moved the court seeking protection.
“Many dog loving citizens have come forward to file their complaints as we face resentment from every quarter for feeding dogs. Even the NGO Friendicoes has filed a petition before the court. We don’t want people with such mentality to hamper our task,” she said.