THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when the stray dog issue has turned into a major crisis, the Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram has opened one of its guard posts to feed the animals.
Amid mounting protests and complaints against public feeding, the station, instead of banning the practice, has designated a specific space for dog feeding — sending a strong message of compassion and coexistence.
For the past eight years, volunteers of the People for Animals (PFA) have been feeding around 22 stray dogs near the army quarters at PTP Nagar. However, concerns were raised recently after many new families, including children, moved into the military quarters.
An official spokesperson of the station told TNIE that the area was designated to resolve the issue.
Recently, an official board was installed marking the space as a designated dog feeding spot.
“They used to feed dogs near the bus stop, which created issues for residents and the public. Hence, we decided to designate a space. We constructed a covered area and have assigned staff to clean the area daily,” said the official.
‘More spots for feeding dogs should come up’
Ajith R, a volunteer who has been feeding the dogs in the area for the past
four years, said the harassment and hostility they faced have now come to an end after the introduction of the designated feeding spot.
“We were often harassed or shouted at when we went to feed the dogs. Despite the threats, we continued feeding them every day. This is the first officially designated feeding spot in the city. Now, nobody makes harsh comments or harasses us. More such spots should come up. We go around and feed dogs at 80 spots in the city,” said Ajith.
Designated feeding spots have long been a demand of animal welfare organisations in the capital.
However, despite discussions and planning, the city corporation has failed to implement such measures.
Sreedevi S Kartha, a PFA member, said there was stiff resistance initially, and the organisation approached Maneka Gandhi for intervention.
“They have provided a meaningful solution. It is an inspiring move that sends a strong message to society and the entire country,” she said.