IIT Kharagpur revokes permission to feed stray dogs on campus

KHARAGPUR: A notice circulated by IIT Kharagpur registrar stating that the feeding spots for regular feeding of stray dogs has been revoked has sparked protest from dog lovers of the campus. The notice has also asked the nodal officer (security) to ensure that stray dogs do not enter and inhabit the campus.

A member of Kharagpur Prodyogiki Animal Welfare Society said, "There are approximately 600 dogs on the campus and no spaces are designated for feeding them. We feed the stray dogs outside hostels following the Oct directive. Nearly 50-60 dogs who inhabit in remote parts of the campus are regularly fed in those areas. Some dogs are fed by shopkeepers and residents. Such revoking of the stray dog feeding will create behavioural issues among dogs. We clearly want this office order to be revoked because feeding of stray dogs is not illegal according to Supreme court order."

An official said, “As per the Supreme court order and ministry of education’s notice, every institute should ensure that stray dogs do not enter and inhabit the campus to curb dog bites incident and safety of students and teachers.”

The institute in October prohibited feeding stray dogs inside the hall of residences after getting several complaints of dog bites from students and parents.

A committee was also formed which recommended that a large pet care zone be constructed preferably near the helipad and MG stadium to keep the stray dogs. But members of the Prodyogiki Animal Welfare Society said that no work has progressed on the arrangements that were supposed to be made for dogs.