PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/DEHRADUN
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) has initiated the process to create designated feeding spots for street dogs in the city, aiming to ensure cleaner surroundings and reduce conflicts related to strays. According to a senior municipal veterinary officer Dr Varun Agrawal, the corporation is currently marking such points and all councillors, along with local dog feeders, have been informed about the new system.
He said that feeding dogs in random locations on the streets often leads to littering and can sometimes result in dogs becoming aggressive toward people passing by. The introduction of fixed feeding spots is aimed at regulating dog feeding practices and minimising such problems. The feeding points will be usable at specific timings in the morning, afternoon and evening, with a maximum of three feeding sessions per day. Agrawal further informed that strict guidelines are being followed while selecting these locations. No feeding spot will be established near religious places, schools, high-footfall zones or areas frequently used by children and senior citizens.
The corporation has decided to set up these feeding spots at safer locations such as dead ends in residential colonies or open spaces away from main roads, streets and highways. Currently, 20–25 such feeding points are being planned in the first phase. Several locations have already been identified, although the final list is yet to be approved, officials added.
