AWBI Orders Investigation; To Form Committee Soon

Directives were issued following a complaint from the flat owner, Rinku Bharadwaj, who alleged undue pain inflicted on stray cats

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has instructed the Maharashtra Animal Welfare Board to establish a committee to investigate the case involving over 300 cats being kept in a 3BHK flat at Marvel Bounty Society in Hadapsar, said the officials on Thursday.

The directives were issued by AWBI on February 18, following a complaint from the flat owner, Rinku Bharadwaj, who alleged undue pain inflicted on community cats and harassment by the society's managing committee and residents.

The committee will include the chief veterinary officer or their representative, a representative from the jurisdictional police, and a representative from the district SPCA or the state board and ensure a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.

The complainant will also be part of the committee, along with a representative from the Resident Welfare Association or Apartment Owners' Association or local governing body in the area.

Prachi Jain, assistant secretary, AWBI, said in the letter, "The committee should be strictly formed as per the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The authority should be strictly instructed not to violate the ABC Rules, 2023 and other central acts, rules, advisories and circulars issued by the AWBI. Action taken report should be forwarded to the board immediately to facilitate further necessary action."

Earlier on February 14, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), within 48 hours. The notice followed an inspection carried out on February 13 after multiple complaints from society residents.