Where Can You Feed or Adopt Stray Dogs? Gurgaon’s New Stray Dogs Policy

Gurugram: The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has rolled out new rules to regulate the feeding, care, and adoption of stray dogs, a move following recent directions from the Supreme Court of India in the New Stray Dogs Policy, to ensure humane and lawful management of street animals.

The decision comes after the apex court’s August order mandating that municipalities designate feeding spots for strays and return sterilized dogs to their original locations.

Here’s everything you need to know about Gurgaon’s new stray dogs policy.

Feeding Stray Dogs: Where and When It’s Allowed

Under the new policy, feeding stray dogs on the streets is no longer allowed. Instead, Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs), or other local body representatives must set up designated feeding spots in consultation with animal feeders and residents.

These feeding points must be:

• Away from children’s play areas, staircases, or spaces used by the elderly.
• Chosen through mutual agreement within the community.
• Clearly marked with notice boards stating that feeding is allowed only at these approved locations.

The MCG has also directed RWAs to assign specific feeding times, ensuring minimal disturbance to residents. Feeders are required to keep the area clean and are encouraged to assist in vaccination and sterilisation (ABC) drives.

Also Read: First Time Dog Owner Guide: My Personal Experience and Complete Tips

Committees and Grievance Redressal

To prevent conflicts between animal feeders and RWAs, an Animal Welfare Committee will be formed in each jurisdiction. This committee will include:

• Veterinary officers
• Local police representatives
• Animal welfare groups
• Complainants and members of the respective RWA

The committee’s decisions on feeding points will be final, though appeals can be made to the State Animal Welfare Board, whose ruling will be binding.

Residents can report violations or disputes via a dedicated helpline: 1800-180-1817.

Ban on Street Feeding and Legal Action

The new MCG order strictly prohibits feeding stray dogs directly on roads. Violators may face legal prosecution under existing municipal and criminal laws.
The order also warns against anyone obstructing or interfering with MCG or police officials during the enforcement of these rules.

Stray Dog Relocation, Adoption, and Registration

According to the Supreme Court’s August ruling, stray dogs must be returned to the exact area from which they were picked up after sterilisation, vaccination, and deworming.

Only dogs that are infected, suspected of rabies, or display aggressive behaviour will be shifted to special shelters.

Those interested in adopting a stray dog can formally apply to the MCG. Once adopted, the dog becomes the adopter’s full responsibility and cannot be released back on the streets.

Pet owners must also register their dogs with MCG’s authorised agency, Pet Pulse under this New Policy for Stray Dogs, to ensure proper record-keeping and vaccination tracking.

The Supreme Court’s Role

This local order stems from the Supreme Court’s effort to create a nationwide, unified policy for managing stray dogs. The Court had overturned an earlier directive that sought to relocate all strays to shelters, calling it impractical and inhumane.

Instead, the top court directed municipalities to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which emphasise sterilisation, vaccination, and returning strays to their territories.

Current Infrastructure in Gurgaon

While the MCG does not operate shelters directly, it has partnerships with two NGOs that manage Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres in Baliawas and Kherki Majra. These centres handle sterilisation, vaccination, and temporary housing of stray dogs under municipal supervision.

What This Means for Residents

The new policy aims to strike a balance, protecting residents’ safety and rights while ensuring compassion and welfare for stray animals.
Residents are now encouraged to collaborate with RWAs and NGOs for responsible feeding, vaccination, and adoption, ensuring Gurgaon becomes both cleaner and kinder for all.

Is Feeding Stray Dogs Considered Good Astrologically?

Yes, in many Indian astrological beliefs, feeding stray dogs is seen as an act that brings positive energy and good karma. According to Vedic astrology, dogs are associated with Lord Bhairava and planet Ketu, both symbolising protection, intuition, and the clearing of negative influences. Offering food or water to stray dogs is believed to reduce the malefic effects of Ketu and help balance one’s karma. Spiritually, it represents compassion, humility, and service to beings who cannot repay you, virtues that align with the idea of attracting peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into your life.