KOLKATA: A recent Supreme Court directive asking governments and civic bodies in Delhi-NCR to remove stray dogs from public spaces and confine them to shelters has triggered a wave of discussion across housing societies in Kolkata, uniting both pro- and anti-stray dog factions around a single question: Can this order be implemented here as well?
In South City, one of Kolkata’s largest residential complexes, resident WhatsApp groups lit up with debates. Some residents interpreted the order as a green light to remove the four strays living inside the premises, while others pushed back, arguing the order applied only to Delhi-NCR and slammed it as excessive. South City currently maintains designated feeding zones and a resident-managed program for feeding, vaccination, and care of the dogs.
At Silver Spring, four strays are housed in a caged but open shelter within the premises. “The space allows movement, and a trainer ensures daily walks and health monitoring. Vaccinations and feeding are done regularly,” said a member of the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA).
In DLF New Town Heights, three strays live in the basement parking area. “There’s no history of dog-bite incidents here, but the Supreme Court order has certainly stirred debate. Residents are divided,” said an elderly resident.
Diamond City West in Behala, which earlier had around 30 stray dogs, has seen the number decline in recent years. “Earlier, dogs would jump on cars or chase residents carrying food. That problem has reduced — but now, the complex has a significant stray cat population,” said a resident.
In Balaka Abasan, one of New Town’s oldest and most open complexes, the stray dog population remains relatively high. Following the court order, residents have begun discussing the legal status and future of the dogs. Still, the general sentiment appears supportive of their continued presence.
A resident of PS One 10, another New Town housing complex, pointed to the bigger picture: “Removing dogs may resolve immediate safety issues, but the real challenge is ensuring adequate shelters, vaccinations, and adoption avenues. Without proper planning, these shelters could just become overcrowded holding pens.”
Kolkata has witnessed its own stray dog-related flashpoints. In February, a woman feeding dogs in Salt Lake’s EB Block was allegedly assaulted by residents. In June, four strays were found dead and five critically ill in New Town after an alleged poisoning.
While the Supreme Court order is currently limited to Delhi-NCR, its ripple effect is being felt across urban India — and in Kolkata, it has reopened long-standing debates about animal welfare, public safety, and civic responsibility.
