Big Fine for a Good Deed
In Greater Faridabad, a housing society’s Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) has imposed a penalty on a dog lover. The headline-grabbing case, Faridabad Society Fines Woman ₹1.3 Lakh, is due to her habit of feeding stray dogs in areas not allowed by the society rules. Divya Nair, who works for a private company, has been feeding these stray dogs in Princess Park, Sector 86, since 2022. She is well-known in her neighborhood for her kind heart towards animals.
The Rules of the Society
The RWA has specific rules about where residents can feed stray animals. They designated a special feeding zone in the market area. Despite this, Nair has been feeding dogs in parks, basketball courts, and parking lots. The RWA claims that these actions create a mess and raise safety issues for others living there.
The Police Weigh In
A senior police official stated that RWAs do not have the power to fine residents. The official said, “No, they can’t. We can initiate action against them only if the woman lodges a complaint.” This means that Nair can reach out to the police if she feels unfairly treated by the RWA.
Supreme Court Decisions
The situation in Princess Park is connected to recent rulings by the Supreme Court of India. The Court looked into how to manage stray dogs, especially with reports of dog bites and rabies cases in the Delhi-NCR area. Earlier, the Court ordered dog shelters to take in stray dogs. However, a new decision stated that sterilized dogs can be released back into the community. It also made it clear that aggressive or rabid dogs must stay in shelters.
Most importantly, the Court banned feeding stray dogs in public spaces. It also instructed authorities to create specific feeding areas for these animals. This ruling can change policies not just in Faridabad but also in nearby cities like Mohali and Chandigarh, where stray dogs are a problem.
The Tension Grows
The conflict between the RWA and Nair intensified when she posted on the social media platform X. She alleged that she was attacked for feeding the dogs and her family faced threats from local police. Nair pointed out that all dog feeding within the society had been banned after the Supreme Court ruling last week. She claimed that RWA had even brought in female bouncers to enforce this ban.
Concern for the Strays
Nair worries that about 40 stray dogs in her area are now hungry because of these new restrictions. She has a genuine love for animals but finds herself in a difficult situation.
The RWA’s Defense
Ranmeek Chahal, the vice-president of the RWA, defended their actions. He said, “The woman has repeatedly defied society rules. Despite multiple warnings, she continues to feed dogs in areas that cause inconvenience and safety concerns for residents.” Chahal revealed that the society has been seeing about 8 to 10 dog bite cases each month, with over 100 residents bitten so far. This situation raises valid safety concerns, especially for children and elderly people in society.
Possible Legal Action
The RWA plans to take legal action against Nair to recover the fine. Chahal said, “If the penalty is not paid, we will pursue action against her under the Society Act through the registrar and courts.” He added that essential services could be restricted for her, and she might face difficulty selling her flat if she does not comply.
A History of Disputes
This is not the first time Nair has been in a dispute with the RWA. Two years ago, she was accused of biting a security guard and a resident during a similar conflict over feeding stray dogs. This past incident adds more tension to her current situation.
Future Plans for Feeding Strays
According to Chahal, municipal authorities have approved plans for designated feeding points in the society. These plans are in line with broader legal guidelines to manage stray dog populations. However, Nair seems to ignore these rules and continues to feed the dogs where she chooses.
Attempts at Communication Fail
The RWA has tried to communicate with Nair to discuss the situation, but their efforts have not worked. They said that she first said she was unavailable to meet, and later she stopped responding to their calls and messages. Even calls and texts from reporters did not get a reply.
Civic Concerns and Broader Implications
This conflict highlights a bigger issue in many urban areas across India, where stray dog populations are increasing. The recent case where Faridabad Society Fines Woman ₹1.3 Lakh for feeding stray dogs reflects similar challenges faced in many cities, like those in Punjab, which also struggle with stray animals. The situation calls for a balance between caring for animals and ensuring public safety.
The interactions between residents, local authorities, and animal rights advocates will continue to shape the future of stray animal policies in India. Finding a solution that works for everyone, including dogs, is essential.
