Navi Mumbai: A Thane-based animal activist and rescuer, Subhajit Bhattacharya, was fined over Rs 5 lakh for the month of May by his housing society for “walking dogs in the common areas” and other dog-related issues. The activist reacted by stating that it is unfair and unjustified.
The Hawaiian Village CHS on Ghodbunder Road in Thane comprises around 100 independent houses or bungalows. Bhattacharya, who runs the NGO ‘Shades of Kindness Foundation’, takes care of 20 rescued dogs at his bungalow. Since most of these rescued dogs are paraplegic, with certain spinal issues, he reasoned that he must walk the dogs outside.
“I moved into this bungalow in Thane around 18 months ago with my 20 dogs. Some society members who do not like dogs have been against my animal welfare work. I have also tried to explain to them that it is natural for dogs to bark or howl. However, my society held a special general body meeting earlier this year and passed a resolution to fine me Rs 2000 every time I take a dog out for walking, and an extra penalty will be charged if any of the society staff are affected by my dogs. This is unfair and harassment on me,” said Bhattacharya.
The activist has legal support from Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, which also feels that such heavy fines on the animal rescuer are uncalled for. “We will send a legal notice to the Thane society because these stiff penalties for walking the dogs are causing mental harassment for Bhattacharya. In our Indian Constitution, Article 51 (A)(g) states that all citizens must show compassion for all animals. Bhattacharya’s rescued dogs are also fully vaccinated. Hence, the society is causing unnecessary trouble for him,” said PAL’s animal rights advisor, Roshan Pathak.
When contacted, the chairman of the society, Suresh Mohite, said: “Many society members are having problems because of the dogs kept by Bhattacharya. Bad odour comes from his house, while his kitchen is also unhygienic. One of our watchmen was also bitten by one of his dogs in the common area. Hence, the fines are being charged.”
However, Bhattacharya replied: “The security guard who was bitten tried to provoke my dog by purposely touching him from behind. My dog was on a leash, and the guard was also drunk. I made sure that he got medical attention. My kitchen is not dirty, as the society is alleging.”
Meanwhile, Pathak added: “The story of Bhattacharya is also happening at other places in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, where animal lovers and feeders are being harassed by animal haters. We will move court against this to safeguard animal activists and rescuers.”
Source: The Times of India
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