Brave Dog Feeders Defy Attacks to Continue Feeding Strays

Over the past two weeks, a series of disturbing incidents have unfolded across India, as dog feeders have faced violent attacks and harassment for their efforts to care for stray animals. On August 24th, Prashanto Samanpa, a 29-year-old dog feeder, was severely beaten by a resident in Gurugram's Sector 28, leaving him with a bone injury in his back. The attack was captured on video and shared widely on social media.

Just this past Wednesday, Neeti Khattar from Paschim Vihar was also assaulted, with a man punching her in the face and threatening her and her husband. Pankhuri Sharma, 28, from Laxmi Nagar, recounts being harassed by a police inspector after she tried to help a dog that had allegedly bitten the officer's son.

These incidents come amidst ongoing confusion over a Supreme Court ruling that allows dog feeding in designated spots, but has led to many residents objecting to open feeding of strays. Animal activist Maneka Gandhi states that the ruling is unclear, leading to continued tensions.

Despite the attacks and threats, the dog feeders remain undeterred. Khattar says she will continue feeding the dogs, seeing the assault as a "challenge" rather than a reason to stop. Divya Nayak from Faridabad has faced harassment for three years, but remains committed to caring for the strays in her community.