A few weeks ago, the High Court had held that municipal authorities can kill stray dogs, under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, if they are causing 'nuisance'.

The HC, however, had not defined what is nuisance but had made it clear there can be no "mass killing" of dogs.

On learning the HC ruling, Hollywood actress and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson wrote a letter to Phatak, suggesting sterlisation programme for stray animals.

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All dogs adopted or purchased from animal shelters and pet shops be sterlised, she had said. Phatak replied to her letter on Wednesday last, saying the civic body would implement laws enacted by the Indian legislation and interpreted by the courts.

"The High Court at Mumbai has given new interpretation of law which is in consonance with the legal position prevailing in India about ten years back. We are duty bound to implement the laws as interpreted by the courts in India," said Phatak in the letter to Anderson.

As per municipal records, there were 70,182 dogs in the metropolis last year