Compassion v fear: Delhi divided over feeding stray dogs

A recent Supreme Court order in India has intensified debates in Delhi over the feeding and management of stray dogs, leading to heightened tensions between animal lovers and concerned residents. In August, the Supreme Court modified its earlier directive, now requiring that stray dogs in Delhi be caught, vaccinated, sterilized, and returned to their neighborhoods, with aggressive or rabid dogs moved to shelters. The court also banned feeding strays in public spaces and instructed civic authorities to designate specific areas for feeding. This decision has reignited a polarizing issue in a city estimated to have around one million stray dogs. Animal caregivers, such as Megha Malhotra who has been feeding dogs for two years, report increasing hostility and even violence from neighbors who interpret the order as a blanket prohibition. Residents opposed to feeding cite a rise in dog bites and attacks, with government data showing 3.7 million reported cases across India in 2024, including over 25,000 in Delhi alone. Stray dogs are a common sight in Indian cities, often treated as community animals that rely on human care. However, fears for safety, especially regarding children and the elderly, have grown, with packs of dogs sometimes chasing people. India lacks a comprehensive policy for stray dog management beyond the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which aims to reduce population and aggression through sterilization and vaccination. Delhi has 25 ABC centers, but they are overstretched and underfunded, facing operational challenges. Municipal officials have begun working on identifying designated feeding spots in accordance with the court order, as reported by Hindustan Times. Sanitation workers are collaborating with residential welfare associations to establish these areas, though responses from authorities are pending. Activists like Ambika Shukla argue that feeders are crucial to the solution, helping with sterilization drives and keeping dogs gentle. Shelters, such as Neighbourhood Woof, emphasize that local caregivers make the process more efficient by identifying and assisting with dogs. Experts believe that sterilization and vaccination are the best long-term solutions, with a need to sterilize at least 70% of the dog population in an area to break the breeding cycle. This approach has already helped reduce rabies cases compared to previous decades. The debate underscores a need for balance between compassion and caution. Feeders advocate for responsible practices, like placing food in secure locations, while opponents seek safer public spaces. The solution lies in awareness, coexistence, and swift action from authorities to implement the court’s directives without further conflict.