TV
A Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday, centered around a plea seeking designated feeding zones for community dogs, shifted sharply towards concerns over public safety following a spate of stray dog attacks. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, expressed deep worry over the threat stray dogs pose to pedestrians, cyclists, and morning walkers, particularly in urban areas like Noida.
‘No space left for humans’: Judges question practicality of feeding zones
The petition was filed by Noida resident Reema Shah, who urged the court to direct authorities to earmark public spaces for feeding community dogs to avoid disputes. While the court acknowledged Shah’s compassionate intent, it asked pointed questions about the increasing risk to public safety. “Try cycling in the morning and see what happens,” the bench remarked, highlighting the frequent encounters between aggressive dogs and commuters.
The court was clear: it did not oppose the idea of feeding strays, but stressed the need for structure and accountability. “Feed them at home or in private shelters,” the bench suggested. “Should every street have a separate lane for feeding dogs and cows?”
NCR continues to witness clashes over stray feeding practices
Feeding stray animals remains a divisive issue across the National Capital Region. In gated societies, particularly in Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi, disputes often erupt between animal rights advocates and residents concerned about safety. Many RWAs find themselves caught between court rulings that prohibit relocating strays and the demand for safer, dog-free premises.
Petition tagged with pending dog bite cases
Though initially dismissive, the Supreme Court tagged Shah’s petition with ongoing cases on stray dog attacks and the broader question of balancing animal welfare with human safety. The court is now expected to consider the matter holistically, weighing compassion against caution.
