Feeding Stray Dogs in Public Places Banned: Udupi City Municipality Issues Advisory
Municipality designates specific feeding zones, warns of action against those feeding strays or abandoning pets in public areas.
Udupi: The Udupi City Municipality has issued a public advisory urging citizens not to feed stray dogs in unauthorized public spaces such as roadsides, drains, school premises, crowded areas, and bus stands. The move follows multiple complaints from residents about people feeding strays in various parts of the city.
To regulate the practice, the municipality has identified specific locations where feeding stray dogs will be allowed in an organized manner. These include:
- Behind Bedina Gudde Rudrabhoomi,
- Behind Adi Udupi Market,
- In front of Indrali Rudrabhoomi,
- Near Parkala Welcome Arch,
- In front of Nittur Sewage Treatment Plant,
- Under Bharatiya Vikas Trust on Perampalli Main Road,
- Near Raj Fish Mill,
- Close to the helipad in Adi Udupi,
- Near Narayanage Road turning towards V Udupi–Malpe, and
- On Veera Sangha, Diana Road, Belur route.
Citizens who wish to feed stray dogs at other locations must submit a written request to the municipality. Permission will be granted only after official approval and issuance of an identification card.
According to the guidelines, registered feeders will also be responsible for ensuring that the dogs they feed are vaccinated against rabies and sterilized as part of their duty towards public safety and animal welfare.
Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi warned pet owners against abandoning their dogs or puppies in public places, noting that such actions contribute to the growing stray dog population. He also reminded owners to vaccinate, sterilize, and keep their pets leashed when outside.
The commissioner further cautioned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found releasing dogs in public areas.
