Pune, 26 February 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified 88 locations across the city where stray dogs can be fed in a regulated manner. The decision follows a citywide survey conducted with inputs from animal welfare volunteers and regular feeders.
Civic officials said the move is aimed at bringing order to stray animal feeding practices while ensuring public hygiene and pedestrian safety. The initiative aligns with the 2025 guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, which direct local bodies to earmark suitable spaces for feeding community animals.
Acting on these directions, the PMC last year invited animal lovers to suggest appropriate feeding spots. Officials reported receiving nearly 25 suggestions every month through social media, emails, and direct submissions. The proposals were grouped area-wise to avoid duplication, and teams conducted on-ground inspections before granting approval.
Sarika Funde, head of PMC’s veterinary department, said each suggested site is verified by civic teams before being finalized. She added, “Every location is inspected on the ground before approval. Feeders at designated spots have been instructed to maintain cleanliness and ensure that residents and pedestrians are not inconvenienced.”
The move has triggered mixed reactions. Some residents have welcomed the step, saying it could streamline feeding practices and reduce conflicts in residential areas. However, a long-time feeder expressed reservations, saying she had not applied for a designated spot.
She noted, “Court guidelines discourage feeding along busy roads. Community animals are part of our streets and markets, and many of us have responsibly chosen low-footfall areas for years to avoid disturbance.”
Civic officials also said housing societies have been urged since 2021 to allocate space within their premises for feeding community animals. Despite repeated appeals, only 56 societies have designated such areas in the past five years, reflecting the challenges the administration continues to face in implementing the policy across the city.
