Dated 3 October 2023
The Secretary
RWA DDA Flats
Munirka, Phase-II
New Delhi-110067
Subject: A few residents demanding the removal of dog cages.
Kindly refer to the letter dated nil forwarded to us on 2 Oct 2023, by few residents of
CB lane. The letter makes an explicit request for removal of cages and makes references
to unwanted animals and unsubstantiated risks
The said letter incorrectly mentions that parking area has been encroached by Mrs.
Kabra of CB-4B by keeping dog cages. The fact is that a temporary shelter has always
been in the open space where cars are parked for more than 20 years. Recently, the
temporary structure was dismantled as open space was tiled. Therefore, shelter for
dogs which was always there, was created by placing cages to have a safe place for the
dogs to protect them from rain and cold. Care has been taken to keep cages which
keep up with the newly tiled surface.
The request is unlawful and any action taken regarding the removal of the animals
from the area that they have been occupying for the last 9 years, will be in direct
contravention of the laws.
1. Relocation is not allowed
Kindly refer to the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 notified by Central Government
in the Gazette notification dated 10th March, 2023
The Central Government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 vide G.S.R
193(E) dated 10th March, 2023 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and
after superseding the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001. The Rules have addressed
the guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the Writ Petition No. 691 of 2009
between Animal Welfare Board of India and People for Elimination of Stray Troubles.
The Hon'ble Supreme Court has in various orders specifically mentioned that relocation
of dogs cannot be permitted.
2. Responsibility for Vaccination and Sterilisation
As per Clause 8(2) of the above rules
In case of street animals, the local authority shall be responsible for deworming,
immunisation and sterilisation and may engage an Animal Welfare Organisation duly
recognised by the Board to carry out theanimal birth control program in accordance
with these rules
However, for the benefit and care of both animals and humans, we been taking care of
neutering and annual vaccination by spending our own money
Feeding of Community Animals
As per Clause 20 of the above rules, please note It shall be responsibility of the
Resident Welfare Association or Apartment Owner Association or Local Body’s
representative of that area to make necessary arrangement for feeding of community
animals residing in the premises or that area involving the person residing in that area
or premises as the case may be, who feeds those animals or intends to feed those
animals and provides care to street animals as a compassionate gesture. The Resident
Welfare Association or Apartment Owner Association or the Local Body’s
representative shall ensure that the feeders are supported
Complaints regarding Dog-bites
As per Clause 16 of the ABC rules, any such compliant has to be resolved within the
legal framework. No one has the authority to take unilateral action. The framework has
been defined clearly in the rules.
The local authority may establish an Animal Helpline. Either the Project In-Charge or
the Animal Welfare Organisation shall be responsible for recording and resolving
conflict cases that may be reported.
The stories of the dog(s) bites are not substantiated by any evidence. The motivation
seems to be fearmongering and a clear refusal to co-exist as per the laws of the land.
Please refer to AWBI Pet & Street Dog Circular dated 26th February 2015
Animal cruelty is an offense under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Act, and Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code.
The dogs are living a tough life where they are not allowed to sit anywhere peacefully.
They are constantly shooed away by intolerant people who are set on this one single
job of making life of street dogs miserable than it already is. By showing sticks and
throwing stones the dogs are kept in constant state of fear. Humans are indulging in
intentional cruel act.
Two of the dogs are cancer survivors. The dogs not finding shelter anywhere are drawn
to the stairs for safety, which may cause discomfort to residents climbing up and down
the stairs. Hence, this shelter provides the dogs with that safe place to sit and also
keeps them aways from the staircase.
Harassment and Intimidation of caregivers
My wife and I are senior residents living in CB-4B, Munirka for the past 30 years. As
mentioned earlier we have been taking care of these street animals for over 20 years.
The complaint against my wife received by you is nothing but harassment of senior
citizens who want to live in peace. Both me and my wife are registered feeders with
Animal Welfare Board of India. Copies of our feeder cards are enclosed for ready
reference.
In case required association can invite Animal Welfare Board to do an inspection of the
dogs. The residents can be educated towards the rights of the animals which are so
willfully trampled upon.
You would be aware that as per the AWBI rules, attempts to interfere with, or harass
persons who choose to look after and feed community dogs maybe tantamount to the
grave offense of criminal intimidation
I request you to handle this human-animal conflict with compassion for animals and
with respect for the laws of the land.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
H. L. Kabra,
Resident of CB-4B
Munirka, DDA Flats
New Delhi-110067
Cell: 9810002449
Encl.: as above
