Frequent clashes are being reported in the city between dog feeders and residents who are wary of community dogs. Citizens who feed and care for these animals are increasingly facing complaints, harassment, and, in some cases, physical confrontations from neighbours and resident welfare associations. Recent incidents point to a growing pattern of tension, driven largely by a lack of clarity in enforcement and differing views within communities.
Last November, in Avadi, Shanthi, 76, was feeding stray dogs outside her son’s house at Kovilpathagai, when Balumurugan, 48, a teacher at a nearby government school, asked her to stop. An argument followed, during which Balumurugan allegedly hit the elderly woman multiple times with his helmet. When a neighbour rushed to her rescue, he also pushed her to the ground. While many attempted to stop him, some recorded the incident on their phones. These videos, along with footage from nearby CCTV cameras, went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and demands for action against the teacher.
Again in November, another clash was reported from VGN Nagar in Ambattur when an officer from the Animal Welfare Board visited the area following a complaint by residents alleging cruelty to stray dogs. A scuffle reportedly broke out between the officer and residents who opposed feeding dogs on the streets. The next day, a group of activists visited the area to feed the dogs, leading to another confrontation as residents objected and arguments ensued.
On August 26, a video showing a policeman confronting a woman while she was feeding stray dogs at Thiruvanmiyur Beach went viral. He warned her that she would be arrested if she continued feeding dogs in the area, allegedly claiming that feeding caused more dogs to gather along the beach. The footage showed the officer cautioning her against returning to the spot and threatening legal action. The incident drew criticism from the public, and the policeman reportedly faced disciplinary action from his Department.
Police authorities, too, are confronted with significant challenges in handling such cases. Caught between conflicting complaints from residents and feeders, limited awareness of animal welfare laws, and rising public pressure amplified through social media, officers are often forced to respond without clear operational guidance.
A senior police officer said, “This places an additional burden on the police, leading to inconsistent responses on the ground and, at times, actions that inadvertently escalate tensions. As a result, personnel face increased workload, public scrutiny, and legal uncertainty while attempting to maintain law and order. We receive numerous calls from the public about the street dog menace, feeding of street dogs, and residents opposing such feeding.”
The officer cited a recent instance where police accompanied Corporation staff following a request from the Madras High Court administration to shift dogs from its premises. “On hearing about the move, dog lovers gathered at all the gates and opposed the action. After much persuasion, we caught the dogs roaming inside the premises and sent them to a Corporation-run kennel. We were at a loss when the dog lovers insisted that the dogs be brought back and released at the same location,” he said.
Many residents oppose feeding dogs on the streets, citing issues such as the influx of dogs from other areas, overpopulation, excessive barking at odd hours, and incidents of dogs chasing or biting. “Even when we call Corporation dog catchers, they go directly to the dog lovers and say they cannot catch the dogs as they are sterilised. Our colony has many senior citizens. Dogs bark throughout the night, and people are unable to sleep. We do not want to harm animals, but humans are being affected as well. Authorities should relocate street dogs to a separate place and strictly impose fines on pet owners for violations,” said Aruna, secretary of the Kottur Garden Residents Association.
Residents in several areas have raised similar concerns. S. Vijayakumar, vice-president of the Madipakkam Kuberan Nagar Residents Welfare Association, alleged that some feeders leave excessive food on the streets using paper or paper plates. “They even feed coloured biryani, which may be harmful to the dogs’ health. Sometimes the dogs do not even eat it. Such leftover food attracts mosquitoes and rodents, and no one clears the waste,” he said.
Animal welfare activists, however, argue that compassionate citizens who lawfully feed community dogs are being harassed, threatened, and even physically attacked. “When kindness is treated as a crime, society suffers. Delays in clarity and enforcement do not just endanger animals; they discourage responsible caregiving and fuel conflict, vigilantism, and abuse,” said Arun Prasanna of People For Cattle in India (PFCI).
He also called for better interpretation of dog-bite data. “The figures being cited are inconclusive and misleading, as they do not distinguish between preventive anti-rabies vaccinations taken by caregivers and treatment after actual dog bites. Nor do they differentiate between pet dogs and community dogs. Using such unsegregated data to justify hostility towards community dogs or their feeders is scientifically unsound and administratively irresponsible,” he said.
A. Saravanan, an activist and feeder from Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, said coexistence is possible through community engagement. He noted that feeders often face resistance in areas such as Anna Nagar, Porur, and Iyyapanthangal due to misunderstandings. “Volunteers must create awareness on how to respond when dogs approach and maintain communication with residents through local groups,” he said, adding that food, smell, and witnessing road accidents are common triggers for canine aggression. Emphasising Animal Birth Control (ABC) as the most effective population management method, he said, “Removing an entire species from the streets cannot be the solution.”
Although the Greater Chennai Corporation has earmarked specific areas for feeding street dogs in each zone, activists say these spaces are inadequate.
With inputs from R. Aishwaryaa
Published – January 28, 2026 12:35 am IST
