13.8.09

Somewhere in Delhi....


The next time you think of feeding stray dogs in your locality, take care. Some irate residents have now taken upon themselves to assault and abuse neighbours who feed stray canines. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday came across seven such complaints, including one filed by a lawyer, from different parts of the capital. They all sought protection from neighbours who allegedly abused and assaulted them. Coming to the rescue of the complainants, Justice Rajiv Shakdher directed the police to ensure the safety of the women who had taken up the task of tending to stray dogs. The HC also directed the SHOs of the concerned areas to “act upon the complaints”. Filing a petition through counsel Kanchan Singh, petitioner Namrata Chanda sought a direction for security to her as some of her neighbours had allegedly assaulted her for feeding dogs. She claimed that being an animal rights activist, she also regularly ensured vaccination and sterilization of stray dogs as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The petitioner brought to the court’s notice that the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pension commission had issued circulars clearly indicating that tending to community animals must not be objected to. Justice Rajiv Shakdher directed the SHO of Freedom Fighters colony in Kalkaji area of South Delhi to protect Chanda. The high court, which is also hearing the main petition filed by NGO Citizens for the Welfare and Protection of Animals on the issue, delivered a verbal order just a week after disposing of a similar petition in which protection was sought. The court on August 4 was then assured by the additional standing counsel of the government that the safety of petitioner Jasmine Damkewala, a practising lawyer, would be ensured and the complaint would be passed on to the SHO for “appropriate action”. Talking about the incident, Jasmine said, “Many dog loving citizens have come forward to file their complaints as we face resentment from every quarter for feeding dogs. Even the NGO Frendicoes has filed a petition before the court. We don’t want people with such mentality to hamper our task.”

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