Mangaluru: Following the directions of the Supreme Court, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), in collaboration with dog feeders, NGOs, and volunteers, has identified 163 locations to develop dog feeding zones. The city corporation has invited objections from residents across 60 wards regarding the proposed dog feeding zones.
Consultative Meeting and Legal Compliance
In November last year, the MCC held a consultative meeting with animal lovers, organizations, and individuals to discuss and finalize spots where feeding of street dogs would be permitted. The identified zones will be officially notified after considering public objections.
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik stated in a notification issued on May 25 that 163 dog feeding zones have been identified within the city corporation limits, in compliance with the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1980.
Public Participation and Timeline
The MCC has uploaded the list of 163 proposed dog feeding zones on its website, mangalurucity.mrc.gov.in, and has invited residents to submit any objections within 15 days. After the final compilation of the list, work on constructing cement platforms with water bowls for stray dogs and installing boards declaring the sites as dog feeding zones will commence by July. Officials confirmed that these works will be carried out as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.
Selection Process and Additional Initiatives
Based on feeder forms submitted by dog feeders, the city corporation, with the help of Animal Care Trust (ACT), had identified dog feeding zones in January. It has been ensured that the identified feeding zones are not located near schools, parks, bus stands, or hospitals, sources said.
In addition, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has taken initiatives to designate sites for establishing street dog rehabilitation shelters. A site has already been designated in Bondanthila village, and a proposal for funding has been submitted to the government. Officials stated that there are plans to establish one street dog rehabilitation center per taluk.
