Ahmedabad residents may face fines for feeding animals on roads, 300 spots designated

Residents feeding stray dogs or birds on Ahmedabad’s roads, footpaths or other public spaces may now face penalties, as the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) moves to restrict feeding activity to designated zones across the city.

The civic body has identified around 300 feeding spots where animals can be fed. Officials said action will be taken under public health bylaws against those feeding animals elsewhere or creating unhygienic conditions in public places.

The move comes as the city’s cleanliness drive gathers pace, with civic authorities also revising feeding arrangements in several parts of the city, including along the Sabarmati Riverfront.

More feeding spots added for dogs

AMC had earlier identified 126 dog-feeding spots across Ahmedabad’s 48 wards. Following demands from animal lovers and regular feeders, the civic body is adding 25 more locations.

CNCD department official Naresh Rajput said areas where feeding already takes place routinely have also been included in the updated list.

“Areas where regular feeding already takes place have also been included,” Rajput said, adding that signboards are being installed at designated locations.

Officials said the aim is to regulate feeding activity and shift it to identified spaces rather than allow feeding at random locations across the city.

Riverfront bird-feeding points reduced

According to official sources, the number of bird-feeding locations along the Sabarmati Riverfront has been reduced following directions from the Gujarat High Court.

At present, five bird-feeding spots are operational at the riverfront. Officials said the revised arrangement also follows guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the Animal Welfare Board of India, under which feeding areas on public roads have been reduced compared with earlier practices.

Why is AMC restricting roadside feeding?

Authorities said feeding stray dogs indiscriminately on roads, footpaths and in residential areas often creates safety and public health concerns.

Officials said dogs gathering around feeding points may fight among themselves, chase pedestrians or create difficulties for motorists and commuters. Authorities added that such situations can sometimes contribute to accidents and disruptions in public areas.

Major dog-feeding locations identified by AMC

Some of the key locations identified by the civic body include:

Municipal crematoriums and drainage pumping stations in different parts of the city

Dada Hari ni Vav, Asarwa

Prem Darwaja crematorium

Dudheshwar and Gomtipur crematoriums

Swaminarayan Temple area, Viratnagar

Vastral crematorium and cattle pond

Hatkeshwar and Ramol crematoriums

Crystal Palace area, Nikol

Naroda crematorium and six parking plots

Bheedbhanjan Hanuman Temple, Bapunagar

Ghatlodia water and drainage pumping station

Iskcon, Manav Mandir and Sai Baba Temple areas

Maninagar Swaminarayan Temple and Madrasi Temple areas

Signboards are being installed at designated locations to help residents identify authorised feeding areas and avoid penalties, officials said.