‘Why don’t you feed them at home?’ SC pulls up Noida man over feeding stray dogs; flags safety risks | India News
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up a petitioner who claimed he was being harassed for feeding street dogs in Noida. A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked him why he couldn’t feed the animals at home. “Why don’t you feed them in your own house? Nobody is stopping you,” the bench said, adding, “Should every lane and every road be kept open just for large-hearted people? There’s space for animals, but no space for humans.” The petitioner’s lawyer argued that his client was following the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. Under Rule 20, the local residents’ body or municipality is responsible for designating feeding spots for community animals. The lawyer said Noida authorities weren’t doing so, unlike Greater Noida. In response, the court suggested opening a shelter at home to feed the dogs. It also raised safety concerns, saying morning walkers and two-wheeler riders were often at risk due to street dogs. “Try going cycling in the morning and see what happens,” the court said. The plea pertains to a March 2025 Allahabad High Court order, in which the petitioner requested the proper implementation of the rules and protection from harassment. The high court had noted the need to protect both animals and people, saying that while stray dogs should be safeguarded under the law, public safety must also be considered. It cited recent attacks by dogs that led to serious injuries and even deaths. The high court had asked authorities to be sensitive to both the petitioner’s concerns and those of the general public. It directed them to ensure proper measures were taken to protect both street dogs and pedestrians. The Supreme Court has now clubbed this case with another pending plea on a similar issue.
