Faridabad housing society fines resident Rs 1.3 lakh for feeding stray dogs

The residents’ welfare association (RWA) of Princess Park housing society in Greater Faridabad has fined a resident Rs 1.3 lakh over the past three years for feeding stray dogs in unauthorised areas. Divya Nair, an employee of a private firm, has been feeding dogs within the society since 2022. RWA officials said she continued to feed the animals in parks, the basketball court, parking lots, and other public spaces, even after a specific feeding zone was designated in the market area.

RWA cites safety and cleanliness concerns

The RWA alleged that Nair’s actions had created a mess on the premises and raised safety concerns for residents. RWA vice-president Ranmeek Chahal said the measures were aimed at protecting children and the elderly from potential harm.

A senior police official said RWAs cannot impose fines on residents. "No, they can't. We can initiate action against them only if the woman lodges a complaint," the official said.

Dispute linked to Supreme Court’s rulings on stray dogs

The issue comes in the backdrop of Supreme Court orders on stray dog management. The court has allowed release of strays after sterilisation but directed that aggressive or rabid dogs must remain in shelters. It also banned feeding stray dogs in public places and asked authorities to create designated feeding zones.

The tussle between Nair and the RWA escalated when she wrote on social media platform X that she was assaulted while feeding dogs and her family faced threats from local police. She also claimed that all feeding had been banned in the society since the revised Supreme Court order last week, with lady bouncers deployed to enforce the rule.

Nair expressed concern that nearly 40 stray dogs in the area were now starving due to restrictions.

The RWA has decided to pursue legal action against Nair to recover the outstanding fine.