Feeding stray cats

Dear Client,

If feeding the cats is causing inconvenience or complaints from other residents, the society may regulate the place of feeding. In such a situation, you should consider shifting the feeding location and discuss with the society members about the territorial nature of cats to arrive at a practical arrangement. If no mutually acceptable solution is reached and the issue continues to cause disturbance, there may be limited remedies available, and it is advisable to comply with reasonable directions of the society.
Also, the society may impose fines only if such a provision is specifically mentioned in the society bye-laws. If there is no such provision, they cannot arbitrarily impose fines. In case fines are imposed without authority, you may challenge the same before the appropriate forum. Consulting a local lawyer would help if the issue escalates.

Dear client,

Feeding stray cats is legally permitted in India, and housing societies cannot arbitrarily stop or penalize residents for doing so. As per the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India and observations of courts such as the Delhi High Court and Bombay High Court, community animals have a right to food and citizens have a right to feed them; however, societies may reasonably regulate the place and manner of feeding to maintain hygiene and prevent nuisance. In your case, directing you to shift feeding entirely to the parking area may be impractical since cats are territorial and unlikely to relocate, and such a restriction should be reasonable and mutually workable rather than arbitrary. You may therefore respond in writing requesting a designated feeding spot on the podium itself at fixed timings, while assuring that you will maintain cleanliness and remove leftovers. It is also advisable to ask the society to provide any formal bye-law or resolution authorizing the imposition of fines, as such penalties are often not legally enforceable without proper backing. If the society continues to harass or impose unreasonable restrictions, you may seek assistance from local authorities or animal welfare organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or SPCA.