An irked Supreme Court on Tuesday advised a Noida resident—who alleged harassment while feeding stray dogs—to care for the animals within their own premises rather than public spaces.
“There is space for these animals, but no space for humans. Should we leave every road open for such large-hearted people? Why don’t you feed them in your house?” Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta remarked.
The comments came as the bench heard a plea challenging a March 25 order of the Allahabad High Court. The petitioner claimed the Noida municipality had failed to provide designated feeding areas, unlike Greater Noida, violating Animal Birth Control Rules.
Under Rule 20 of these rules, Resident Welfare Associations and Apartment Owners Associations must earmark specific areas and times for feeding stray animals to ensure the safety of children and the elderly.
The court pointed out the real risks posed by aggressive stray dogs, referencing recent tragic attacks on children in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. “You go cycling in the morning? Try doing that and see what happens,” the bench warned, adding that morning walkers and cyclists face significant danger.
Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had emphasized balancing compassion for animals with public safety. It directed authorities to be sensitive to both the welfare of stray dogs and the rights of residents to move freely without fear of attack.