GLOBIVOX

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a comprehensive plan to regulate stray dog feeding and improve animal welfare by identifying designated feeding points and developing dedicated shelter facilities across the city. The initiative is aimed at balancing public safety concerns with the humane treatment of animals.

According to civic officials, authorised feeding locations will be selected in consultation with animal welfare organisations, resident associations, and local ward offices. These designated spots are expected to prevent random feeding in residential lanes, marketplaces, and high-traffic areas, which often leads to disputes between residents and animal feeders.

In addition to feeding points, the BMC plans to strengthen its shelter infrastructure to accommodate injured, abandoned, and aggressive stray dogs. The shelters will be equipped with basic veterinary facilities, isolation areas for sick animals, and adequate space to ensure humane living conditions.

Officials said the move will also support ongoing sterilisation and vaccination drives under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. By linking feeding points with monitoring and healthcare, the civic body aims to maintain better records of stray dog populations and reduce incidents of dog bites.

Animal welfare groups have welcomed the proposal, stating that structured feeding and shelter systems will improve coordination between feeders and civic authorities. However, resident associations have urged the BMC to ensure strict implementation and regular monitoring to avoid misuse and encroachment of public spaces.

The BMC is expected to issue detailed guidelines in the coming weeks, outlining the roles of feeders, penalties for violations, and timelines for the completion of shelters. The initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more organised and humane approach to stray dog management in the city.

Civic officials clarified that the proposed feeding points will be clearly marked and maintained to ensure cleanliness and public convenience. Feeding will be permitted only during fixed time slots, and feeders may be required to register with the respective ward offices or recognised animal welfare groups. This step, officials said, will help prevent overcrowding of dogs in sensitive areas such as school zones, hospitals, and busy markets.

The BMC also plans to integrate technology into the monitoring process. Ward-level teams may use digital records to track sterilisation, vaccination, and health status of stray dogs frequenting designated feeding areas. This data-driven approach is expected to improve coordination between municipal veterinarians and animal welfare volunteers.

To address public concerns, the civic body has proposed grievance redressal mechanisms allowing residents to report violations related to unauthorised feeding or aggressive animal behaviour. Special response teams may be deployed to handle emergencies involving injured or rabid animals.

Experts believe the initiative could significantly reduce conflicts between residents and animal feeders, a recurring issue in many housing societies. By formalising feeding practices and strengthening shelter infrastructure, the BMC aims to create a safer environment for both people and animals.

However, challenges remain in implementation, particularly in densely populated areas where space constraints and differing public opinions could slow progress. The success of the initiative will largely depend on awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of guidelines, and cooperation from citizens.

The BMC has indicated that pilot projects may be launched in selected wards before the policy is implemented citywide. Feedback from these pilot zones will be used to refine operational procedures and address practical difficulties on the ground.