SC guidelines no deterrent as strays menace persists

Lucknow: Most resident welfare associations (RWAs) and civic authorities in Lucknow have failed to implement Supreme Court directions to create designated feeding zones for stray dogs. The guidelines aimed to reduce conflict between residents and animal feeders but remain largely on paper.

More than two months after the SC order on feeding zones, a reality check by TOI found residents continue feeding dogs on roadsides, near gates and in parking areas.


The SC issued clear directives that stray dogs across the country must be caught, sterilised, dewormed and vaccinated before being returned to their original neighborhoods. Dogs that show aggressive behaviour or are rabid cannot be released and must be moved to shelters.

The court also banned feeding of stray dogs in public spaces, including streets and instructed civic authorities to establish designated feeding areas to ensure the animals are cared for safely. In addition, SC called for a uniform national policy on stray dog management, aiming to standardise procedures and reduce human-animal conflicts.

Experts say the order seeks to balance public safety with animal welfare, ensuring stray dogs were managed responsibly without resorting to harmful methods.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation claims sterilisation and vaccination drives are being conducted regularly, but residents say there has been little improvement.

LMC animal welfare officer Abhinav Verma said, "After Supreme Court's order, we instructed RWAs and animal welfare groups to create designated feeding zones. No one hase implemented them yet. Despite repeated notices, no action has been taken. Without public cooperation, a long-term solution is impossible."

Meanwhile, animal welfare organisations urged strong cooperation and coordination amongst stakeholders, including civic authorities, animal welfare activists and groups with awareness campaigns for animal welfare.

Founder of Jeev Ashraya, Amit Sehgal, highlighted, "Supreme Court directed RWAs to set up feeding spots, but the orders are being ignored. We face resistance from residents, yet without cooperation, these conflicts will persist."

Some groups have begun planning feeding areas but face protests from residents.

Resident of a Gomtinagar housing society and animal welfare activist, Shabana Khan, said, "After court's order, we requested our RWA to identify a feeding spot. When they didn't, I placed bowls in my garage, but many neighbours opposed it, so I had to remove the feeding bowls."

The ongoing standoff between feeders, residents and authorities underlines city's failure to follow Supreme Court directives in both letter and spirit. Until proper feeding zones are created and managed, Lucknow's stray dog problem is likely to persist.