Belagavi: In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive to manage the growing stray dog population, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has initiated the process of identifying suitable locations to establish six designated feeding zones for stray dogs in the city.As per the Supreme Court’s order issued on Aug 11, feeding stray dogs is prohibited in public places or on the streets and can only be carried out in specially designated feeding zones created by the municipal authorities. The BCC, which is divided into three zones, plans to set up two feeding points in each zone.Earlier, the corporation proposed establishing a shelter for stray dogs on a two-acre plot at Hirebagewadi, 20 km from the city. However, with the court’s revised directive, the focus shifted to creating feeding zones within the city limits.“We have planned to set up five to six dedicated feeding zones and are currently identifying BCC-owned open spaces. Initially, there was opposition from locals to create the basic infrastructure. However, once feeding zones are in place and large-scale sterilisation is carried out at Hirebagewadi, we will be able to curb stray dog breeding effectively,” said BCC environmental engineer Hanumant Kaladagi, speaking to TOI.Stray dogs remain a pressing issue in Belagavi, with frequent reports of attacks, especially on children. Several recent dog bite incidents, some leading to rabies-related deaths, have triggered public outrage and renewed demands for decisive action.
