“Why Don’t You Feed Them At Home?”: Supreme Court Questions Noida Resident On Stray Dog Feeding, Flags Safety Concerns
In a sharp oral observation, the Supreme Court on Monday questioned a Noida resident over the practice of feeding stray dogs in public spaces, asking, “Why don’t you feed them at home?” while expressing concern over the growing threat posed by stray dog attacks.
The remark came during a hearing in a case related to a dispute over stray dog feeding in residential areas.
A Division Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, while not issuing any final ruling on the legality of stray feeding, underscored the need to balance animal welfare with public safety, particularly in densely populated localities.
The petitioner, reportedly a resident of Noida, had approached the Court seeking protection of his right to feed strays.
However, the bench observed that while compassion toward animals is laudable, it cannot come at the cost of endangering others, especially children and the elderly.
The Court noted an increasing number of incidents where stray dog bites have led to serious injuries or even fatalities, and emphasised the need for responsible caregiving, which includes feeding within controlled, private premises rather than common public spaces.
The issue of stray dog management has been a recurring point of legal and civic debate, often polarising communities between feeders and residents concerned about safety.