Megha Malhotra has been feeding stray dogs in her residential complex for almost two years. Every evening, she places food at a temporary feeding spot near her building's exit gate. I enjoy taking care of them and feeding them, she says. But in recent weeks, she has sensed growing unease among residents every time she puts out the food. Some have even confronted her, insisting she stop feeding the animals, she says.
Such confrontations are becoming frequent in Delhi as civic authorities grapple with a fast-growing population of stray dogs. Supporters of feeding strays cite compassion, while opponents highlight concerns over dog bites and public safety. A recent Supreme Court ruling modified previous directives around stray dogs, calling for them to be caught, vaccinated, sterilised, and returned to neighborhoods, while banning feeding in public spaces.
Animal caregivers allege they are facing harassment and threats from neighbors who believe feeding strays is illegal. There is fear in the minds of people [that the dog would attack them]. What they don't get is that these animals just need love and care, Ms. Malhotra argues.
Stray dogs are a common sight throughout India, especially in Delhi, which has nearly a million strays. Most are seen as community animals, yet rising fears of aggression have led to calls for stricter control measures. Residents express concern for their children's safety and question the responsibilities of pet owners.
Advocates for animal rights stress the importance of responsible feeding and collaboration with local authorities. In the absence of a clear strategy to manage strays and a surprisingly high number of dog bites reported, sterilisation and vaccination are seen as pivotal in tackling the issue effectively.
As discussions around compassion versus fear intensify, the call for a balanced approach to address both public safety and animal welfare becomes increasingly urgent. The solution lies between compassion and caution, concludes Ms. Malhotra.
