Greater Noida begins weekly talks to settle dog-feeding disputes in housing societies

Greater Noida is bringing residents, dog feeders and officials to the same table each Thursday as disputes over stray-dog feeding continue to divide housing societies.

The Greater Noida Authority says the meetings will seek mutually acceptable, designated feeding points rather than impose one arrangement across every society. Participants are also being briefed on the Animal Birth Control Rules. Police, animal husbandry officials, veterinary staff, society representatives, estate managers and the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are involved; HCL Foundation representatives are also attending.

Saviour Greenarch, Parsvnath Panorama and Mahagun Mywoods have taken part since the first session on July 23. The next meeting is set for August 13 with Himalaya Pride Society in Techzone-4 at the authority office. Jaypee Greens is scheduled for August 20 and YSS City in Sector 1 for August 27.

The Federation of Residents Welfare Associations, Greater Noida, said it had not been informed of the weekly schedule and wants regular consultation with RWAs. It said feeding at random locations, and groups of dogs gathering near particular homes, have fuelled friction in several areas. Meetings with other societies are planned through December 31.