New Delhi: MCD has identified 55 feeding points for stray dogs across four zones — West, Karol Bagh, Narela and Shahdara (north). These locations have been geo-tagged and their details, along with photographs, will soon be uploaded on the MCD website. “The civic body is planning to invite tenders for installing signage at all designated feeding points across the city,” an official said. Ten feeding points were finalised in Karol Bagh, 14 in Shahdara North, seven in Narela and 24 in the West zone. “These points are being identified in consultation with local councillors and RWAs. We are focusing on areas where residents and feeders are mutually agreeable to fix the sites. Locations with disputes over land or suitability will be taken up later,” the official added. The civic body is expected to submit a detailed report on the progress to Supreme Court by Oct 28. Once the points are finalised, feeding the strays outside these notified spots will be considered a violation and attract penalties. Activists have alleged that the entire process is being implemented without consulting dog lovers. “The civic body is fulfilling the bureaucratic necessity and this makes the whole process futile. People who feed the dogs due to socio-cultural or ethical requirements ensure regular sterilisation and thus play a crucial role in the system. Feeding dogs half a kilometre away from existing sites, where they are fed currently in a neighbourhood, won’t serve the purpose,” said Sonya Ghosh, an activist. The initiative follows the top court’s Aug 22 directive restricting stray dog feeding to designated areas. Subsequently, Delhi govt issued guidelines on Sept 15 stating that, in case of any disagreement over site identification, the committee formed under Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, will inspect and decide. Aggrieved parties may appeal to Delhi Animal Welfare Board. Feeders are also required to maintain cleanliness and dispose of leftovers responsibly. The court further directed the creation of permanent shelters for aggressive or attacking dogs. Officials said MCD’s engineering department is designing a shelter in Dwarka’s Sector-29. “Once the detailed project report is ready, the corporation will allocate funds and start the work,” the official said.
