Citizens urged to provide details on stray dog feeding to help designate feeding spots

She said any individuals including animal lovers or animal welfare organisations or groups who are feeding stray dogs must submit an application with detailed information of the exact location where the stray dogs are being fed, feeding time, estimated number of stray dogs being fed and any other relevant details.

“Based on this information, designated feeding spots for stray dogs within PMC limits will be finalised after completing the necessary procedures as per the directions issued by the Supreme Court,” said Borade.

The PMC Assistant Medical Officer said there are around 2.5 lakh stray dogs in the city and many of them are fed by animal welfare organisations or animal lovers. “The committee appointed to identify the feeding spots for stray dogs will visit the spots informed to the civic body. If it is found to be appropriate then the feeding spot will be finalised and a board about it would be put up by the civic body for the knowledge of citizens,” she said the committee would see that the feeding spot is not close to the playing area of children or recreation of senior citizens and is in a place that does not create nuisance to public.

The PMC will ensure that many stray dogs are not fed at one location as that would lead to aggressive behaviour of the animal, said Punde adding,”Those feeding stray dogs will also be instructed to only serve boiled rice mixed with chicken or pet food.”

Those feeding stray animals at spots other than designated locations and without being identified as volunteers will be issued warning of action against them, she informed.

Many citizens have already come forward and are submitting information about the feeding of stray dogs.”Around 50 spots mainly in housing societies have been unanimously created by members and volunteers feed the stray dogs. The PMC will now designate public space as feeding spots depending upon the location and number of dogs in the area,” said Punde.