Following directives from the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench, Nagpur Police has issued a detailed circular aimed at reducing conflicts between stray dog feeders and the public while ensuring proper management of stray animals.
As per Section 44 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, and the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, citizens feeding stray dogs at officially designated Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) locations must not be obstructed. Animal rights activist Surbhi Lalwani of People for Animals shared details of the circular during a press conference at the Press Club on Thursday, where activist Meghna Lopalikar was also present.
The directive takes note of complaints about harassment of feeders—many of them women—who have reportedly faced verbal abuse, threats and even physical assault. Police stations have now been instructed to promptly register FIRs and take legal action in cases of animal cruelty or harassment of citizens. Housing societies and private individuals have also been warned not to interfere with lawful feeding activities.
Activists said incidents of harassment against dog feeders have increased in recent months, while misinformation has circulated claiming that feeding dogs in public places is illegal. Authorities clarified that feeding is permitted, but it should be done at NMC-approved feeding spots. Where such locations are yet to be identified, the civic body has been urged to designate new spots at the earliest.
Senior police inspectors will be held accountable for delays in registering complaints, and zonal deputy commissioners will supervise enforcement to ensure that court-mandated protections are implemented across the city.
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