GCC sets up specific feeding areas for stray dogs in Chennai

To avoid conflicts between dog lovers and residents who have animal aversion, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has demarcated locations for feeding stray dogs and has said that food should be provided only at these places. The move follows a recent Supreme Court direction that stray dogs should not be fed in public areas and must be fed only in designated zones. The apex court also directed civic bodies to create feeding areas for dogs in municipal wards. “With the objective of regulating the movement of stray dogs and preventing inconvenience to the public, the GCC has identified specific locations and set up designated feeding centres across the city,” a senior official said, adding that eight locations have been demarcated and opened for the public to feed stray dogs. The official further said, “We have planned to set up two designated feeding areas for stray dogs in each zone. As of now, eight such places have been established after consultations with residents’ welfare associations and other stakeholders, including the police. We plan to expand this to other areas within a week.” The designated feeding areas have been demarcated in Thiruvottiyur, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Perungudi, Palavakkam and Ambattur. Pavithra Rajasekaran, an animal lover, said, “Common feeding areas often intensify dogs’ territorial instincts. They may fight or bite each other, especially when dogs who are unfamiliar enter their territory. This can increase aggression rather than reduce conflict. Area-specific feeding spots are a safer alternative.” G. Arun Prasanna, founder of People for Cattle in India, urged the GCC to equip the designated spots with shade, water points, waste disposal bins, and to put clear bilingual signage (Tamil and English) prohibiting feeding outside these zones. He also called on the GCC to issue public advisories through the Corporation’s website, ward-level WhatsApp groups, notice boards and local media to educate residents on the new protocol and legal compliance. Published - December 27, 2025 05:09 am IST

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