Patna: In a bid to bring order to the city’s growing stray dog population and curb littering caused by random feeding, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed setting up designated ‘stray dog feeding zones’ in all its 75 wards. The move aims to streamline where community dogs are fed, reduce their movement across residential areas, and improve overall public hygiene.
An official said these areas will be officially designated as ‘stray dog feeding zone’ to centralise where animals receive food.
PMC veterinary Dr Gaurav Kumar said the initiative addresses two primary issues regarding the behaviour of stray dogs and residents. “Pet lovers give food to stray dogs anywhere, so they loiter everywhere,” Kumar said, adding that the creation of dog feeding zones is intended to change this pattern. If food is provided in designated areas, the dogs will be more inclined to remain within those specific locations rather than wandering throughout the wards.
“When food or leftovers are thrown out randomly, it also dirties the area,” Dr Kumar said, adding that a single feeding location will prevent rubbish from spreading.
The identification of sites is currently underway. Sanitary inspectors in the wards have marked specific areas, which have now been assigned to engineers for development. The timeline for completion depends on the processing and approval of the fund. “This project is small, so it will not take much time to function,” Dr Kumar added.
Signage indicating the location and zone name will be placed at every site. The PMC also issued a helpline number for public complaints and suggestions regarding stray dogs. This infrastructure is intended to assist officials in tracking the dog population for future sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drives.
The success of the initiative depends on cooperation between the local govt and residents, he said. He added that 50% work is being done by the PMC by building the feeding zones, and the remaining depends on the civic sense and willingness of pet lovers to adapt to this.
Adwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the...
Read MoreAdwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the past written on varied topics, including decline of the glass bangle culture, illegal trade of firecrackers in Champahati, West Bengal apart from many more on food and travel. She has recently completed her PGDM in journalism from Xavier's, Mumbai. She loves music and is very affectionate about animals.
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