Ludhiana's Covert Operation: 30 Stray Dog Feeding Zones Established Quietly
The Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana (MCL) has initiated a discreet strategy to establish designated feeding zones for stray dogs across the city, installing banners quietly to bypass fierce opposition from residents. This stealth approach aims to implement animal welfare measures while navigating the complex dynamics of urban coexistence.
The 'Not in My Backyard' Challenge in Urban Planning
While many citizens express support for stray animal welfare, civic officials report that few residents are willing to accommodate permanent feeding stations near their homes. The corporation has identified 30 specific feeding points in neighborhoods including Kitchlu Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Rishi Nagar, Hambran Road, and Haibowal. However, officials acknowledge that signage has been placed discreetly to prevent neighborhood protests and ensure these sites remain operational.
Residents' concerns primarily revolve around several key issues:
- Fear that designated feeding spots will encourage dogs to settle permanently in specific areas
- Concerns about increased noise levels from animal activity
- Worries about sanitation and hygiene problems
- Apprehensions regarding public safety and potential aggression
An MC official explained the paradox: "People want to feed stray dogs but do not want a permanent spot near their houses." This sentiment has forced the corporation to adopt flexible banners featuring a "dog eating food" design placed in low-visibility locations.
Scientific Strategy for Animal Management and Public Safety
This initiative follows a December 16, 2025 directive from Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, who ordered the MC and rural development department to map feeding points in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. The strategy is firmly rooted in animal psychology and territorial behavior principles, with multiple objectives:
- Reducing animal aggression through consistent food access
- Managing territorial behavior through designated feeding areas
- Maintaining cleanliness through structured feeding points
Officials believe that providing consistent access to food reduces hunger-driven aggression toward humans. Since dogs typically live in packs and rarely enter rival territories, designated feeding spots help maintain stable and predictable population distributions. MC workers are specifically mandated to maintain hygiene at these sites to prevent public health risks.
Implementation and Future Directions
Medical Officer Vipal Malhotra has confirmed that all 30 feeding zones are now active. "Those who want to feed these dogs can go there and keep food there," he stated, clarifying the operational status of the program.
Beyond feeding zones, the Deputy Commissioner has called for enhanced implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. Specific measures include:
- Requesting detailed progress reports on dog-catching teams
- Monitoring sterilization efforts more closely
- Urging rural panchayats to begin similar sterilization programmes in nearby villages
This comprehensive approach represents Ludhiana's attempt to balance animal welfare concerns with resident apprehensions through strategic, scientifically-informed urban management.
