Days after an order by India's top court brought the issue of stray dogs in Delhi into the spotlight, tensions have risen in the city. Animal lovers say they face hostility and sometimes even violence for taking care of strays, while people who believe dogs should be off the streets argue they can be aggressive and dangerous.
Megha Malhotra has been feeding stray dogs in her residential complex for almost two years. Every evening, she places food at a temporary feeding spot near her building's exit gate. I enjoy taking care of them and feeding them, she says. But in recent weeks, she has sensed growing unease among residents every time she puts out the food. Some have even confronted her, insisting she stop feeding the animals, she says.
Such confrontations are becoming frequent in Delhi as civic authorities grapple with a fast-growing population of stray dogs. Those who feed dogs do so out of compassion, while those who oppose it cite an increasing number of dog bites and attacks. Recent statistics show that there were 3.7 million reported dog bite cases across India in 2024, with over 25,000 from Delhi alone.
Animal lovers argue that much of the confusion stems from a recent Supreme Court order that has reignited a polarizing debate on the management of stray dog populations. The court modified its earlier directive requiring all stray dogs to be housed and instead ruled that they must be caught, vaccinated, sterilized, and returned to their neighborhoods, barring aggressive dogs.
Furthermore, a recent ruling restricting feeding strays in public spaces has made matters worse, with some residents interpreting it as a blanket ban on feeding dogs altogether. Long-time caregivers report harassment and threats from neighbors who now believe feeding strays is illegal.
Activists argue that feeders are not the problem but part of the solution, ensuring stray dogs are vaccinated and kept gentle. In light of the current situation, officials are reportedly working on identifying spots where dog feeders can provide food without facing hostility.
The debate essentially balances compassion and caution towards strays. As Megha Malhotra poignantly puts it, One side needs to understand that animals need compassion, not sticks and cages. The other side should be more responsible about where they feed them. The solution, as many see it, lies somewhere in between.
