In some areas, the RWAs have fixed the spots where stray dogs can be fed while ensuring pedestrians aren’t affected.
| Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) drive to identify stray dog feeding zones across all 250 wards of the city is facing hurdles due to disagreements among several residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and animal rights activists over the locations.
For the campaign, which began on August 27, the MCD had instructed all ward councillors to collaborate with RWAs and compile a list of potential feeding spots in each ward.
‘Threat of ₹25,000 fine’
“In Ashok Vihar, an RWA representative wrote to us, objecting to a spot proposed by feeders and threatening us with a ₹25,000 fine if feeding areas are earmarked close to their home,” Yogesh Verma, a member of the MCD’s subcommittee on stray dogs, said.
In some areas, such as Keshavpuram and Ranibagh, feeders, along with RWAs and councillors, have identified corners within society blocks as feeding spots to minimise disruption for pedestrians. These spots are currently being used while awaiting formal nod from authorities. Mr. Verma said that MCD sanitation workers, who are familiar with the areas, have also been enlisted to identify suitable feeding locations.
“After approval, marking these spots would take at least three months,” he added.
The drive comes after the Supreme Court on August 22 modified its earlier order of August 11, and allowed sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs to be returned to their original localities, provided they are not aggressive or infected with rabies.
‘Permanent shelters’
MCD Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma confirmed that the civic body will seek further cooperation from the Delhi government to develop a more permanent infrastructure for stray dogs. “We will formally request the Delhi government to provide land for dog shelters and feeding zones,” Ms. Sharma said.
She also mentioned that the MCD has already begun the process of seeking permission to expand facilities, including plans to construct additional tin sheds at the Bijwasan Animal Birth Control centre and building a permanent shelter in Dwarka Sector 29.
Mr. Verma also noted that the feeders have already started using some of these spaces by putting out bowls there. “Building the dog’s habit will take time, so some feeders have begun managing spots informally as the nominations can only be made after official notification.” he said.
According to MCD data, Delhi reported 26,334 dog bite incidents and 49 confirmed rabies infections till July 31 this year.
Published – September 02, 2025 12:45 am IST
