Hyderabad: Those feeding and caring for stray animals will now have valid identification. A document called the ‘community animal protectors’ (CAP) identification card will be issued to those taking care of stray animals — be it dogs or cats. Recently, a police complaint was filed at Himayatnagar police station against some women who were feeding stray dogs in the area. A card holder can also report on animal numbers, rescues, cruelty prevention and help in adoption assistance.
The ID cards are expected to help these caretakers, who often face harassment by the public, when they try to feed street animals. This applies to anyone who voluntarily cares for strays. Vasanti Vadi, a member of People for Animals and vice president of Blue Cross said, “Feeding stray animals is not illegal, but is, in fact, a Constitutional duty. Stray dogs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and rules enacted under Section 38 of the Act, particularly, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001; Indian Penal Code, Sections 428 & 429 and Article 51A (g) of the Constitution.”
The card is issued by city-based animal welfare organisation, called People for Animals. “The card aims to build a network of animal welfare volunteers. The card would have the person’s name and an attestation maintaining that he or she is doing a right and lawful deed and the that the Animal Welfare Organisation of Hyderabad supports it. This lends credibility to the individual,” Vadi added. To obtain the card, one has to apply or call 9177229087. Interested volunteers can also fill up the form issued by the People for Animals and send it back to their office along with their ID and address proof.
