05_GBA _3col
Designated feeding points fail to end disputes, with volunteers reporting hostility, vandalism and difficulties while tending to neighbourhood dogsDespite the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) assigning designated spots for feeding stray dogs, feeders across Bengaluru say they continue to face harassment and other difficulties while feeding dogs.From objections at designated feeding locations to disputes over feeding practices, feeders say the challenges persist despite the civic body’s efforts to identify specific spots.One such case has emerged in the Bommanahalli Zone, where a feeding signboard installed at a designated location has gone missing, prompting a complaint to the jurisdictional police station.According to the complaint, a GBA feeding signboard near Adugodi Police quarters, installed on April 7, went missing on July 29. A GBA official confirmed this, following which a police complaint was filed.“We feed, vaccinate and sterilise stray dogs, yet face repeated objections and harassment. The feeding board has also disappeared repeatedly. Recently, stones were allegedly thrown at dogs while they were eating,” said a feeder.Animal welfare workers say the issue is widespread and want the GBA to clarify rules to RWAs, institutions and the public. Sadhana Hegde, founder of Sahavarthin Animal Welfare Trust, said the Supreme Court order last year regulated feeding in public places but did not prohibit it.“Members of the public and institutions cannot make decisions. Even at Hebbal Veterinary College, we face restrictions on feeding. Ideally, the GBA should act against institutions that prohibit feeding, as such restrictions amount to animal cruelty and could also affect public safety by depriving dogs of food and making them restless,” said Hegde.Animal welfare workers said feeders facing resistance should approach the police.“Two or three feeders should go together when possible, as a lone woman may be more vulnerable to harassment. Alternatively, feeders can ask those objecting to file a complaint with the GBA themselves,” said Nandita Subbarao, a city-based animal welfare activist. According to GBA officials in the South City Corporation, feeding is taking place at designated spots, barring a few exceptions. The BSCC has identified 64 locations and is working on assigning 54 more soon. “We are asking volunteers to submit requirements through a form and geotag locations where feeding spots are needed. We are aware of the Adugodi situation and have held meetings with officials. The location inside the Adugodi Police quarters covers around 110 acres. We identified three to four feeding spots based on requirements. However, one was removed due to the presence of police quarters and dog-bite concerns,” said a GBA official.Several areas are still awaiting designated feeding spots, leaving feeders facing objections and harassment.“There are many dogs on the HAL campus, but feeding is now allowed in only one of nine divisions, in the parking lot. Though the GBA has assigned four to five spots, feeding is not happening in the remaining divisions,” said a source.Residents said repeated requests to the GBA have yielded no results, with officials citing SIR duty and asking them to wait another three months.“I have followed up for six months, but no feeding spots have been assigned. Officials also do not visit the spot. This is leading to harassment of feeders,” said a Kathriguppe resident.