We strongly recommend to KAWB and SPCA Bangalote Rural and Urban to issue the following circular. It is becoming increasingly frustrating to watch RWAs and apartment associations using their clout to misuse and instruct their (perhaps) less educated or aware security and facility staff to quietly relocate dogs , even though they know is not legal. In the last few months , incident after incident is causing tragic consequences, motherless pups and confused new dogs in strange localities . Fights, fatalities, accidents and bites could occur.
Training staff on laws is critical, as these staff who are following instructions, get into problems, not their bosses. Instructing and harassing security staff to remove pups from the area or to relocate dogs is happening across Bangalore and with impunity, as the owners of senior managers don’t themselves dirty their hands. The only ones who get into trouble are the beleaguered staff themselves, who are caught between their own employer and an animal welfare organization, and run the risk of losing their job or being penalized by the law. This is unfair. The onus of this should come clearly on the association, which is either enabling it or allowing this. The Apartment Association can be shut down if they transgress the law.
We strongly urge the Indian security agency associations and the Indian facility management association IFMA , and others like CREDAI, RERA, MyGate, ADDA etc to take note and take strong steps in this because they are then actually protecting their own stakeholders by following the rule of law, and telling them the right thing to do, preventing any unnecessary legal escalation .
This constant reinvention of the wheel and handling issues case by case is becoming untenable, unviable and unwieldy so it has to be addressed.
SAMPLE CIRCULAR
TO: Resident Welfare Associations and Apartment Associations
SUBJECT: Compliance with Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Dear Associations,
We bring to your attention a critical concern regarding the welfare of stray dogs and pups within your compounds. It has come to our notice that some associations are instructing facility management staff, particularly security and housekeeping personnel, to relocate or dispose of these animals. This practice is:
1. Illegal: Contravenes Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
2. Inhumane: Causes undue stress, harm, and suffering to animals. The relocated dogs could be badly hurt or harmed in new territories, and pups could die.
3. Liability: Exposes associations, security staff, and individuals involved to legal action, penalties, and reputational damage.
Consequences:
• Legal action under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960)
• Penalties and fines under ABC Rules 2023
• Reputational damage to associations (including shutting down the association )
• Trauma and harm to relocated animals
Responsibilities:
1. Ensure compliance with ABC Rules 2023 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
2. Educate security and housekeeping staff on animal welfare laws.
3. Collaborate with local SPCA and municipal authorities.
4. Implement humane and legal animal management practices like feeding, neuter and vaccination
Immediate Actions:
1. Cease relocation/disposal of stray dogs and pups.
2. Conduct workshops for staff on animal welfare laws.
3. Establish Animal Welfare Committees within associations.
4. Engage with local animal welfare organizations, local feeders, municipal authorities who handle neuter /vaccination
Support and Guidance:
• Local SPCA
• Municipal authorities
• Animal welfare organizations
Conclusion:
We urge you to take immediate action to address this critical issue. Compliance with animal welfare laws is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. Let's work together to create a compassionate and responsible community.
Sincerely,
CC:
• Local SPCA
• Municipal authorities
• Animal welfare organizations
Note: This circular is issued in public interest and to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws. Non-compliance may lead to legal consequences.
Additional Resources:
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960)
• Local SPCA contact information
• Municipal authorities contact information
• Animal welfare organizations contact information
Comments