Uttar Pradesh Unveils Stray Dog Feeding Plan: Designated Spots, Waste Disposal Rules

In response to a Supreme Court order issued last month, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage the state's stray dog population. The new directions, issued on September 4th by the principal secretary of the urban development department, focus on establishing designated feeding spots for the strays.

According to the guidelines, the feeding points will be set up based on the population and regional distribution of the stray dogs. Residents and animal activists will be required to feed the dogs at these dedicated locations, rather than on the streets. Notice boards will also be placed at the feeding areas to inform the public. Any individual or association found violating these rules will face action.

The authorities have also advised that the feeding spots should be located in areas with less movement of children and senior citizens, and that proper waste disposal measures must be taken. An animal welfare committee, comprising representatives from the local police, animal cruelty redressal committee, and resident associations, will be formed to help decide on the feeding point locations if there are any disagreements.

In addition to the feeding plan, the Ghaziabad municipal corporation is considering setting up a shelter home with a capacity of 500-1,000 stray dogs. The corporation is also conducting a fresh survey to ascertain the current stray dog population, which is estimated to be around 60,000, with 32,000 already sterilized.