Mumbai Metro One Receives Backlash From Animal Lovers For Forcibly Relocating Stray Kittens From Saki Naka Metro Station

Mumbai Metro One is receiving heavy backlash from animal lovers for allegedly neglecting and mistreating animals on its premises. Stray cats living in the premises of a metro station were relocated without contacting an animal shelter. An animal feeder lodged a criminal complaint against Mumbai Metro One. Here’s more to it.

Animal Feeders Slam Mumbai Metro One For Mistreating Strays

As per a report by The Free Press Journal, on April 2, animal feeders at Saki Naka metro station complained that the metro staff were allegedly harassing them for feeding stray animals residing in the premises. The metro station on the Ghatkopar-Versova line was inhabited by a few cats. The animal feeders reported to the media agency that the staff verbally abused them for feeding the animals.

An animal feeder, Sana Hameed, revealed to The Free Press Journal that she had been feeding stray cats at Saki Naka metro station for two years. Recently, a cat gave birth to five kittens and was surviving on the food fed by Hameed. She stated that the metro staff forcibly relocated the cat and the five newborn kittens who resided in the Saki Naka station.

Also Read: Good News, Indore! Almost 17 Km Stretch Of Indore Metro To Open To Public By This Date

Criminal Complaint Filed Against The Metro Body

On Monday, Mumbai Metro One was slammed with a criminal complaint by Sana Hameed. The complaint was against their treatment of strays and the forced relocation of the cats. A non-cognisable complaint was filed by the Andheri Police under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The complaint was filed against a few unnamed Mumbai Metro One personnel.

Hameed stated to The Free Press Journal that metro authorities had mutually agreed to the demands of animal feeders to provide feeding zones for stray animals. But without heeding the demands, the animals were relocated without informing them. The animal lover was pained to know about the five innocent cats who may have to fight for survival on the streets in the scorching streets. She opined that the metro authorities could have handed the strays to an animal shelter.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro Chaos: 10-Minute Train Gaps On Monday Morning Spark Commuter Outrage

Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation, post this untoward incident, held a meeting. Metro authorities were warned of strict legal action if they fail to follow animal welfare rules and harass strays in the future. To The Free Journal, a senior security manager of Mumbai Metro One revealed that they were planning to have designated feeding zones within two days, but didn’t execute the plan as there was no development on that front.

This is a matter of serious concern for animal lovers travelling to the metro station.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro