Last week, the BMC had announced a Rs 500-fine for those caught feeding strays as they create public nuisance..

“This law has created fear among the dog lovers. Not letting people feed a hungry animal is a non-scientific and inhumane method to control their population,” said Jigeesha Thakore, honorary secretary, All India Animal Welfare Association.

Despite the penalty, there are many who refuse to give up feeding their neighbourhood canine friends.

“Yes, we feed dogs, and we will continue to do so. They must remove this rule with immediate effect,” said Zeal Vora, a dog lover.

The strays will become more aggressive if they are hungry, Vora pointed out.

Deepa Katiyal of People for Animal feels the BMC should have conducted the sterilisation programme properly to stop the growing population of stray dogs.

She added that not feeding them is not the way out and animal lovers should not be fined for it.

While BMC officials said there is a provision in the existing Cleanliness and Sanitation bylaws 2006 to fine, activists feel the law has been misread.

“It is not an anti-compassion law but an anti-littering one. People should be fined for littering and not for feeding strays,” said Abodh Aras, chief executive officer of the Welfare of Stray Dogs.

“These strays survive on garbage and not on the few biscuits offered by dog lovers.”

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