Noida : The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of Sector 105, Noida, has issued a press statement questioning the growing legal and administrative responsibility being placed on RWAs in cases involving stray dog attacks. The statement comes in the wake of recent media reports highlighting a consumer commission ruling that held an RWA liable to pay compensation in a dog bite case.
While expressing respect for the judicial decision, the association argued that RWAs are being assigned responsibility without being granted the legal authority or resources needed to address the issue effectively.
Limited Budget, No Authority, Unlimited Accountability
In the statement, Divya Krishnatreya, President of RWA Sector 105, said that RWAs function as resident welfare bodies rather than government agencies and do not possess the legal powers to capture, relocate, or take punitive action against stray animals.
He stated that although courts may consider RWAs as service providers because they collect maintenance charges, they have no statutory authority to enforce municipal regulations related to stray animals.
Financial Constraints Limit RWAs’ Role
According to the association, Sector 105 consists of approximately 1,044 residential plots, while only around 400 households are regular members of the RWA. Each member contributes an annual maintenance fee of ₹5,000, which is used to fund essential civic services, including security, electrical and plumbing maintenance, and park upkeep.
The RWA maintained that with such limited financial resources, expecting it to independently resolve a citywide issue such as stray dog management is unrealistic.
Concerns Over Pet Owners Violating Rules
The association also raised concerns about irresponsible pet ownership. It alleged that some dog owners allow their pets to roam freely in residential areas and children’s parks without leashes or adherence to safety guidelines prescribed by the Noida Authority.
According to the RWA, when its office-bearers request compliance with these rules, disputes often arise, while the association itself lacks the legal authority to take enforcement action.
Call for Action Against Illegal Dog Shelters
The press statement further alleged that some residential properties in Noida are being used as unauthorised dog shelters, where large numbers of dogs are reportedly housed. The RWA claimed that these animals are often allowed to roam freely in surrounding neighbourhoods, creating safety concerns for residents.
The association urged the Noida Authority to investigate such alleged illegal shelters and take appropriate action wherever violations of applicable regulations are found.
Appeal for Shared Responsibility
The RWA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents but stressed that managing stray animal populations and enforcing pet-related regulations fall primarily within the jurisdiction of civic authorities.
It called on the Noida Authority to strengthen enforcement of existing rules, address unauthorised animal shelters where applicable and take effective measures to manage stray dogs. The association emphasised that lasting solutions would require coordinated efforts by the authorities, residents and community organisations, rather than placing responsibility solely on RWAs.