The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation has begun displaying public notices warning of fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 for people who leave food for stray dogs and pigeons in open areas outside designated feeding spots. The civic administration said the action is intended to address complaints about litter, unhygienic conditions and foul odour in neighbourhoods across the city.
The notices have been installed at several locations by the municipal public health department. They warn residents that feeding animals in places other than those identified by the civic body could attract a penalty. Although stray dogs are not mentioned directly in the wording reported on the boards, a dog image has been used alongside the message. The notices also specifically refer to people who scatter grain for pigeons in open spaces.
The municipal decision follows complaints that the number of residents feeding stray dogs in public places has increased. According to the report, the administration believes that food left on roads and around public areas contributes to the accumulation of waste and creates odour-related problems. The civic body has therefore moved to enforce restrictions on open feeding while allowing feeding at designated locations.
The fine policy, permitting penalties of up to Rs 5,000 for feeding stray dogs outside approved spots, was recently approved by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the municipal administration. The reported penalty range displayed on the public notices is Rs 500 to Rs 5,000, depending on the violation and enforcement action.
The decision has triggered opposition from animal lovers, several of whom have protested against the municipal administration’s position. A petition has also been filed in court following the controversy. The dispute centres on how the civic body will regulate feeding while addressing the concerns of residents and animal welfare groups.
After the initial opposition, the ruling party had said that feeding stray dogs would not be prohibited and that the number of designated feeding spots would be increased. MLA Narendra Mehta had also announced that additional locations would be provided. The newly installed notices, however, make clear that the municipal administration intends to take action against open feeding outside those designated areas.
The notices place the issue within the municipal public health department’s responsibilities, linking animal feeding in public spaces with cleanliness and local sanitation. The administration’s next steps will involve enforcing the stated penalty range and determining how designated feeding spots are identified and expanded across Mira Bhayandar.
