Alumni, students oppose IIM-C move to lock up dogs in enclosure

Kolkata: IIM Calcutta’s decision to put 10 dogs in a newly-built enclosure has triggered reactions from alumni, teachers and students. More than 100 alumni have written to the institute, opposing the move.

Director Alok Kumar Rai said, “The institute identified a space and created an enclosure covering 40 ft by 20 ft for the furry friends with provision for food and water. There is an open space inside the enclosure. At present, we have put the dogs who have been identified as ‘aggressive’”

The institute has more than 50 dogs on the campus, which are fed and cared for by the student and alum body. Most of these dogs, are sterilised and vaccinations are also done every year. A source said more shelters have been planned.

Rai pointed out that there have been multiple complaints of dog bites and chasing by these strays , which prompted the institute to take this step. “The situation is such that when our staffers walk with their kids, they carry sticks. As per the SC guidelines, the strays should be taken care of by the municipal corporation. So we have written to the municipal corporation and will also meet the commissioner of the municipal corporation and request them to take charge of these animals,” added Rai, who is a professor of marketing.

A campus resident said, “It has become difficult to walk freely on campus The problem arises when a pack of dogs chases or behaves aggressively.”

In 2025, a few dogs were relocated.

An alumnus argued, “The dogs are vaccinated and sterilized. They were easy to catch and most likely did not put up a fight.” The alumnus said according to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the SOP shared by the Supreme Court, a shelter home must have covered spaces for all dogs, open space and veterinary care. The alumnus claimed that the enclosure lacks sufficient space and shelter, offers no provision for veterinary care, and is not illuminated. .

A former student said, “The dogs inside the enclosure have been a part of the campus for years.. The pet club run by the students and alums managed feeding, vaccination and sterilisation of all dogs and cats throughout the year, most of it being self-funded.” The student claimed they were not informed about the move.

Another ex-student added, “Unfamiliar dogs from different areas of the institute premises have been kept inside the enclosure, leading to infighting. They will become panicked and more aggressive.”