Bhubaneswar: Amid the ongoing tussle between animal lovers and residents opposed to feeding stray dogs in public, an NGO that rescues and rehabilitates sick and needy animals has warned that the canines may exhibit aggressive behavior without food, posing a risk to passers-by.
Clash in Nandan Vihar
Recently, an apartment in Nandan Vihar witnessed a clash between animal lovers and those against regular feeding of dogs. The incident required police intervention. The NGO also took up the matter.
Supreme Court Guidelines
Jiban Ballav Das, secretary of the NGO, stated that the Supreme Court has made it clear that no individual is authorized to remove dogs from any area. “They cannot stop feeding or take action against feeders of community dogs. Only the government agency can decide on stray dog issues. However, many individuals and residential welfare societies have misinterpreted this and violated the court order,” he said.
He added that the Supreme Court has directed the implementation of animal birth control, anti-rabies vaccination, provision of feeding spots, and humane management of community dogs. The court clearly warned that taking the law into one’s own hands would constitute contempt of court.
Residents' Concerns
Manoj Nayak, secretary of a residential society, said they are not against stray dogs or their feeding. “All we want is that the stray dogs should not be fed in front of the apartment, as that is creating a menace. We fear for elderly people and children. It is very scary to walk out through the main entrance if there is a pack of dogs craving food,” Nayak told TOI.
BMC's Stance
Notably, two weeks ago, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that not a single stray dog had been shifted from public institutions to any shelter as directed by the Supreme Court in November. The civic body is still awaiting land from the Khurda district administration for this purpose.
BMC officials said stray dogs are found near institutions and places such as bus stands, hospitals, airports, railway stations, schools, colleges, and government and private offices. Since the Supreme Court order, the BMC has been seeking land. The BMC stated that once shelters are ready, the dogs will be caught and permanently housed there.
