GVMC plans exclusive 25 feeding zones for stray dogs in Visakhapatnam

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) plans to set up around 25 designated feeding zones for stray dogs across the city, with feeding bowls and drinking water troughs, so that animal lovers can feed strays without leaving food on roads and footpaths.

Voluntary organisations and industries will support the feeding zones under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

On Friday, the third such zone was opened at the APIIC Greenbelt area in Autonagar, Gajuwaka, by GVMC city veterinary officer K. Kiran Kumar, with the support of the Kamal Welfare Foundation.

Dr. Kiran Kumar said that the civic body had formulated a special action plan to establish designated feeding points at various locations in the city. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg was paying special attention to ensuring that stray dogs were provided with food and drinking water at designated places, while maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, he said.

Feeding bowls and drinking water troughs were being provided at these centres to facilitate systematic feeding of stray dogs. The designated zones would help animal lovers feed stray dogs in an organised manner without leaving food on roads, footpaths and other public places, thereby helping prevent littering and maintaining urban sanitation.

According to Dr. Kiran Kumar, the three feeding zones established so far had received a positive response from animal lovers and voluntary organisations. Encouraged by the initiative, representatives of the Kamal Welfare Foundation had come forward to support the establishment of approximately 25 such zones across the city through CSR funds.

He said that the GVMC was identifying suitable locations to establish additional feeding zones in accordance with the directions of the Commissioner. The civic body is seeking to balance the welfare of stray animals with public convenience, while ensuring neighbourhoods are kept clean.

Dr. Kiran Kumar appealed to animal lovers to feed stray dogs only at the designated centres and avoid leaving food indiscriminately on roads and in public areas. He also called upon voluntary organisations, industrial establishments and other stakeholders to extend their support to the initiative.

The GVMC expects the expansion of designated feeding zones, with the cooperation of animal welfare groups and other organisations, to promote responsible feeding practices and improve cleanliness in the city, he said.