Kolkata: The state urban development and municipal affairs department has issued new guidelines requiring all urban local bodies to designate fixed feeding spots for community dogs in every ward. Feeding street dogs, cats or other stray animals outside these approved zones could invite action under municipal laws.Feeding sites must be away from parks, children’s play areas, walking paths, busy public places and crowded areas. They must not obstruct roads, footpaths or spaces in front of homes, shops and other buildings. The aim is to allow feeding without compromising cleanliness or public safety.Civic bodies must prepare lists of regular community dog caregivers and issue them identity cards.They may also construct small cement platforms at designated spots to keep food and drinking water.Feeding will be allowed twice daily, before 7 am and after 7 pm, with a two-hour window for each session. Caregivers and feeders must adhere to schedules fixed by civic bodies. The guidelines prohibit littering at feeding spots. Feeders must clean the area once the animals have eaten. They are advised to use disposable plates and discard them in nearby dustbins. Paper or pieces of newspaper may also be used to serve food.No one may stop, harass or obstruct a caregiver feeding dogs at an authorised location during permitted hours. However, caregivers must follow the rules and refrain from feeding animals outside designated areas.Feeding strays at unauthorised locations may be treated as dumping or throwing solid waste in violation of municipal laws. Offenders could face action under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, the West Bengal Municipal Act, the Howrah Municipal Corporation Act or the West Bengal Municipal Corporation Act, as applicable..
