Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) has stirred controversy by placing 10 dogs in a newly constructed enclosure on its campus, triggering strong reactions from alumni, faculty, and students. Over 100 alumni have written to the institute opposing the move, raising concerns about animal welfare and adherence to legal guidelines.
Institute's Justification
Director Alok Kumar Rai explained the rationale behind the decision. "The institute identified a space and created an enclosure covering 40 feet by 20 feet for the furry friends, with provision for food and water. There is an open space inside the enclosure. At present, we have put the dogs who have been identified as 'aggressive'," he said. Rai noted that the campus is home to more than 50 dogs, which are fed and cared for by the student and alumni body. Most of these dogs are sterilized and receive annual vaccinations.
However, multiple complaints of dog bites and aggressive chasing prompted the institute to act. "The situation is such that when our staffers walk with their kids, they carry sticks. As per the Supreme Court guidelines, the strays should be taken care of by the municipal corporation. So we have written to the municipal corporation and will also meet the commissioner to request them to take charge of these animals," added Rai, who is a professor of marketing.
Alumni and Student Concerns
A campus resident described the difficulties: "It has become difficult to walk freely on campus. The problem arises when a pack of dogs chases or behaves aggressively." In 2025, a few dogs were relocated. One alumnus argued, "The dogs are vaccinated and sterilized. They were easy to catch and most likely did not put up a fight."
According to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the Supreme Court's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), a shelter home must have covered spaces for all dogs, open space, and veterinary care. The alumnus claimed that the enclosure lacks sufficient space and shelter, offers no provision for veterinary care, and is not illuminated at night.
A former student said, "The dogs inside the enclosure have been a part of the campus for years. The pet club run by the students and alums managed feeding, vaccination, and sterilization of all dogs and cats throughout the year, most of it being self-funded." The student claimed they were not informed about the move. Another ex-student added, "Unfamiliar dogs from different areas of the institute premises have been kept inside the enclosure, leading to infighting. They will become panicked and more aggressive."
Further Plans
A source indicated that more shelters are planned. However, alumni maintain that the current enclosure is inadequate. The institute intends to request the municipal corporation to take charge of the stray dogs, while the debate over animal welfare and campus safety continues.
