IIT Kharagpur Suspends Controversial Stray Dog Feeding Ban Following Widespread Protests
In a swift reversal, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has placed a recently issued administrative notification on revoking permission for feeding spots of stray dogs on campus into abeyance. This decision came within hours of the directive's circulation, following significant protests from both students and faculty members who raised concerns about animal welfare and legal compliance.
Director Cites Ambiguities and Promises Revised Notice
Institute Director Suman Chakraborty addressed the situation, stating, "The notice has been kept in abeyance because of some ambiguities. A modified notice will be issued soon." He emphasized that any measures taken would align with norms established by various authorities, including the Supreme Court, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and other regulatory bodies, to ensure a humane coexistence between the campus community and stray animals.
Animal Welfare Society and Activist Intervention
The Kharagpur Prodyogiki Animal Welfare Society, a group comprising students and teachers, played a pivotal role in the protest. On Thursday night, they sent an email to prominent animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi, who subsequently contacted the institute's leadership. The society's letter argued that the directive was in "direct conflict with the established guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, which recognise the legal right of community dogs to be fed and cared for in a humane manner."
The letter further warned that "the abrupt removal of feeding points and exclusion of stray animals may lead to starvation, aggression, and increased human-animal conflict, ironically worsening safety concerns rather than resolving them."
Campus Stray Dog Population and Sterilization Efforts
A member of the animal welfare society provided detailed insights into the campus's stray dog situation. IIT Kharagpur is home to approximately 600 stray dogs, with nearly 50 residing in remote areas and relying entirely on regular feeding. The remainder are fed in open spaces outside hostels, canteens, and residential areas. Notably, the society has already sterilized 450 of these dogs as part of ongoing animal welfare efforts. They are advocating for the reinstatement of designated feeding areas to maintain a balanced and humane environment.
Expert Opinion on Street Dog Behavior
Adding weight to the protests, Anindita Bhadra, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at IISER Kolkata with 17 years of experience studying street dog behavior, commented on the potential risks of sudden feeding cessation. She noted, "The Supreme Court has not ordered the feeding of street dogs to stop. Dogs that don't find food regularly can get aggressive and even start hunting. Hence, stopping feeding all of a sudden can cause more problems than solving them." This expert perspective underscores the importance of a measured approach to managing stray animal populations in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
The institute's decision to suspend the ban highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing campus safety with animal welfare, and all eyes are now on the forthcoming modified notice to see how IIT Kharagpur plans to address this complex issue.
