“The temperatures are crossing 40-degree Celsius and the stray dogs are badly affected by the heat. The RWAs in Hyderabad are yet to be contacted by the GHMC with regard to the effort to identify feeding spots, said BT Srinivas, General Secretary for the United-Federation of Resident Welfare Associations (U-FERWAS), while welcoming the guidelines. According to the then regulation, representatives of AWBI are to work with the local Station House Officer and the RWA members to identify feeding spots for the stray dogs.

The Delhi High court in 2010 had issued regulations for feeding stray dogs, but those were never implemented. This is also not the first time that regulations have been laid down on feeding stray animals by the courts. He added that the GHMC was proactive by providing food and water for stray dogs during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 in 2020.

We have to raise awareness, convince and make them understand that this is good for the community,” the official said. There has been resistance from certain quarters about fixing feeding spots for dogs.

Speaking to TNM, an official with the GHMC said that guidelines have already been formed and are pending approval from higher-ups. The AWBI has also issued directions to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories with regard to setting up such spots, reported The Hindu. Based on the directions issued to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) by the Delhi High Court in March this year, all municipalities across the country have been asked to identify feeding spots for stray dogs.

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