The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) on Wednesday issued directions to regulate the feeding and management of stray dogs, following recent directions from the Supreme Court. The move comes after an apex court order in August in this regard. Here’s what the order issued by MCG Joint Commissioner (Swacch Bharat Mission) Preetpal Singh says: Designated feeding spots and timings: Under the new rules, it will be the responsibility of Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), Apartment Owner Associations (AOAs), or relevant local body representatives to arrange food for stray dogs in their area. These organisations must designate mutual-agreement feeding spots, which must be away from children’s play areas, staircases, and places frequented by children or senior citizens. Feeding times, too, are to be set with children and elderly residents’ routines in mind. Feeders are charged with keeping the area clean and following association guidelines, and may volunteer in vaccination and Animal Birth Control (ABC) efforts. Mandatory committees and grievance redressal: In case of disputes between RWAs and animal caregivers, an Animal Welfare Committee will be constituted. This will comprise veterinary officers, police, animal welfare representatives, a complainant, and representatives from the local RWA or apartment association. The committee’s decision regarding feeding points is final; appeals may be made to the State Board, whose decision will be binding. Notice boards will be placed at feeding areas, explicitly stating that feeding stray dogs is permitted only at these locations. Ban on street feeding and enforcement Feeding stray dogs directly on the streets is strictly prohibited. Violators will face prosecution under relevant legal provisions. No individual or organisation may obstruct or hinder the implementation of these orders; those who do risk prosecution for interfering with public servants in their duties, the order notes. A dedicated helpline (1800-180-1817) is being set up for residents to report any issues related to stray dogs or violations of the feeding norms. Dog relocation, adoption, and registration rules: Stray dogs picked up for sterilisation, vaccination, and deworming must be returned to their original locations — except those infected or suspected of having rabies, or displaying aggressive behaviour; these dogs will be kept in special shelters. Residents wishing to adopt stray dogs can apply to the MCG; once adopted, the dog must not return to the streets. Additionally, pet dog owners are required to register their animals with the MCG’s authorised agency (Pet Pulse). The Supreme Court’s order in August had reversed an earlier direction mandating the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters, recognising the impracticality of confining all strays and emphasising rehabilitation in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The Court had directed all municipalities to set up dedicated feeding spaces ward-wise and warned that those found feeding dogs outside these designated areas would be prosecuted. It has called for a nationwide, balanced and enforceable policy, transferring all stray dog related matters from high courts to the apex court for a unified approach. The MCG does not have dog shelters of its own; rather, through a tie-up with two NGOs, it supervises work at two animal birth control centres in the city, at Baliawas and Kherki Majra.
