The Greater Noida Authority has introduced new guidelines aimed at improving the management of community animals in residential societies, ensuring that their welfare is addressed without compromising the safety and comfort of residents.
The move comes after growing concerns and complaints from citizens, especially those in housing societies, regarding the feeding and care of stray dogs and cats. As part of its comprehensive approach, the authority has asked all societies, including apartments owners’ associations (AOAs), resident welfare associations (RWAs), and facility management teams, to submit detailed data on the community animals present in their premises. This request must be fulfilled within one month, and it will cover key aspects such as the estimated number of community dogs and cats, feeding points, vaccination and sterilisation status, and contact details of feeders, RWAs, AOAs, or facility management teams responsible for the animals’ care.
The guidelines, which are part of the Greater Noida Authority’s broader efforts to manage urban animal welfare, aim to create a streamlined and transparent system that addresses the concerns of both residents and animal lovers. By gathering this data, officials intend to balance the safety of residents with the humane treatment of community animals. This initiative is particularly important in areas like Greater Noida, where community animals—particularly stray dogs—often roam freely, and there is a growing concern over their management and the challenges posed by their presence in high-density residential areas.
An official from the Greater Noida Authority explained that the intent behind the new data-gathering exercise is not just to monitor the presence of community animals but to ensure that their care is conducted in an organised and safe manner. “The directive is part of our revised policy on pet and community animals, which was approved last year. Our goal is to create a balanced system that ensures animal welfare while keeping residents’ safety and comfort in mind,” the official stated. This balanced approach is crucial, as community animals play a significant role in the ecosystem of urban spaces. For instance, stray dogs often serve as natural deterrents against rodents and can help protect public spaces from pests. However, without adequate management, these animals can become a source of public concern, particularly in densely populated residential complexes.
The new guidelines underscore the need for cooperation between various stakeholders, such as RWAs, AOAs, and individual animal feeders. Under the guidelines, the authorities are urging residents’ bodies to work together to designate feeding points that are both safe for the animals and considerate of the residents’ daily activities. Feeding points must be carefully selected, avoiding high-traffic areas such as main gates, playgrounds, and staircases, where they might disrupt the residents’ normal routine. The guidelines also stress the importance of maintaining cleanliness at these designated feeding spots to prevent hygiene issues.
The new regulations also provide a framework for resolving disputes between residents and feeders. Complaints, especially those concerning feeding locations and responsibilities, have become increasingly common. In response, the Greater Noida Authority has proposed the formation of an animal welfare committee that will include officials from the local veterinary department, the police, animal welfare organisations, and representatives from the RWAs or AOAs. This committee will play a pivotal role in deciding the most appropriate feeding locations and appointing caretakers to manage the animals within each society. This body will also have the authority to oversee animal welfare practices, such as sterilisation and vaccination, and address any grievances or concerns raised by residents.
One of the most significant aspects of the guidelines is the protocol for handling incidents involving dog bites or suspected rabies cases. The Greater Noida Authority has made it clear that immediate medical treatment will be provided to victims at government hospitals, and suspected rabid dogs will be isolated and monitored by a veterinary professional. If necessary, these animals will be treated by authorised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure their humane treatment.
As part of its efforts to promote safety, the authority is also planning to introduce a helpline to assist with community animal welfare issues. Additionally, it has announced plans to reimburse registered NGOs for medical care related to sterilisation and vaccination efforts, ensuring that the welfare of community animals is prioritised across the city. While the Greater Noida Authority’s guidelines focus on the welfare of community animals, there have been calls from animal lovers for more dedicated spaces where animals can safely coexist with residents. Animal welfare advocates have pointed out the lack of facilities such as dog parks or green spaces that could provide a safe environment for both community animals and residents.
“While these new guidelines are a step in the right direction, the city must do more to provide facilities such as dog parks and safe zones for these animals,” said an animal rights advocate. “Such spaces would not only enhance the quality of life for the animals but also make the environment safer and more comfortable for residents.” The new guidelines also reinforce existing laws regarding the treatment of community animals. According to the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Birth Control) Rules, 2023, community dogs are considered part of the urban ecosystem and cannot be exterminated or relocated arbitrarily. This legal framework mandates that these animals be sterilised and returned to their original locations after the procedure, ensuring their continued presence in a regulated and humane manner.
These measures align with the growing recognition of the rights of community animals and the need to create urban environments where animals and humans can coexist peacefully. As cities like Greater Noida continue to expand and urbanise, addressing the challenges posed by community animals will require cooperation, understanding, and the development of sustainable solutions. The Greater Noida Authority’s new guidelines are a positive step toward creating a more harmonious urban environment where both residents and animals can thrive. However, it will be crucial for all stakeholders—residents, animal lovers, and authorities—to work together in implementing these guidelines effectively. With the right support and infrastructure, Greater Noida can set a model for other cities in the country, balancing urban development with animal welfare.
As urbanisation progresses, the integration of community animals into city planning will become increasingly important. The introduction of guidelines such as these offers hope for creating more inclusive, humane, and sustainable cities that prioritise the welfare of all their inhabitants, human and animal alike.
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