The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a positive step for animal welfare by instructing NESCO to establish designated feeding zones for stray dogs. This decision comes after reports emerged of 26 stray dogs allegedly dying of starvation at the NESCO grounds in Goregaon, prompting concern among animal lovers. Dr. K L Pathan, head of the BMC’s Animal Husbandry Department, clarified that no official notice was issued, but guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India were provided to ensure proper feeding spots for the dogs. These locations are chosen to be free from activities involving children and ensure that traffic remains undisturbed.
The guidelines aim to resolve conflicts over feeding areas, and if an agreement cannot be reached, a committee consisting of members from both the BMC and the police can assist. This follows a July report by mid-day, which detailed how a security guard and a NESCO management employee were booked for allegedly preventing feeders from accessing the premises, leading to the starvation of the dogs. Animal lovers and members of the NGO Pure Animal Lover (PAL) had been regularly feeding and caring for the strays before being blocked from entering the area.
