New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi‘s veterinary department has begun earmarking fixed feeding points for stray dogs in the city, initiating the process with ward number 100 (Fateh Nagar) in the west zone.On Wednesday, six feeding spots were identified in Maya Enclave through consultations with councillor Raminder Kaur, the RWA and veterinary department officials. On Thursday, the department carried out a joint inspection in Janakpuri area, which is in the same ward. Officials said utmost care was taken to ensure that the feeding points were not placed near schools, parks, playgrounds, residential entry gates or other sensitive locations. “Boards will be installed in Hindi and English, clearly mentioning that strays are to be fed only at these designated sites,” said an official.The veterinary department stated the initiative would gradually be extended to the entire ward, with the number of feeding spots varying depending on the area’s size and stray dog population.Councillor Kaur said MCD had carried out vaccination drives for stray dogs in Maya Enclave. “The residents here are proactive. Following the Supreme Court’s direction, many approached us for a solution. We involved two RWAs, senior citizens and dog lovers in a joint survey and, after discussions, reached a consensus on creating feeding points,” she said.MCD, however, clarified that while dog lovers may be included in such exercises, their involvement is not mandatory since RWAs already represent the locality’s residents. The department on Tuesday issued an order directing deputy directors of veterinary services and veterinary officers in all 12 zones to collaborate with councillors and RWAs to identify feeding locations and submit geo-tagged details to the deputy director of the rabies control programme. The move followed instructions from the MCD commissioner.“The exercise is being undertaken in line with the SC’s directions and the collected information will be placed before the court. While no strict deadline has been prescribed, the bulk of the work is expected to be completed ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for Oct 28,” said the MCD official.Delhi govt’s guidelines, issued on Sept 15, for stray dog population management stated that in case of any conflict over the identification of a feeding point, the committee prescribed under Rule 20 of ABC Rules 2023 shall visit the location and take a decision. Anyone aggrieved with the decision can appeal to Delhi Animal Welfare Board.
