Chennai: Woman harassed by police while feeding stray dogs at Thiruvanmiyur beach

CHENNAI: A video showing police officers allegedly harassing a woman while she was feeding stray dogs at Thiruvanmiyur Beach has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and calls for action against the personnel involved.

According to sources, the woman, a long-time resident of Thiruvanmiyur, has been feeding stray dogs at night for the past 20 years. She reportedly shifted the feeding to designated safe areas after the Supreme Court’s order on regulating stray dog feeding, ensuring it did not disturb the public.


On Sunday night, while she was providing food near the beach, a police officer confronted her and reportedly warned that she would be arrested if she continued feeding dogs in the area. The officer allegedly claimed that feeding was causing more dogs to gather along the beach.

The situation escalated when the woman began recording the incident on her mobile phone. The officer allegedly snatched her phone and withheld it for about an hour.

Witnesses said the officer also took away phones from other people present, including those who attempted to intervene.

The viral footage shows the officer warning the woman against returning to the area to feed dogs and making threats of legal action. Animal welfare activists have condemned the incident, stating that citizens following Supreme Court directions should not face intimidation.

Police sources said senior officials are aware of the incident and are examining the video.

Appropriate departmental action is expected if misconduct is confirmed.


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