Target: G. Venkataraman, Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, India
Goal: Allow community members to feed hungry dogs without harassment.
Animal welfare groups in Tamil Nadu report growing confrontations around feeding community dogs after recent Supreme Court observations about avoiding public feeding and creating designated spaces. Activists say some feeders have been threatened or intimidated by neighbors or resident associations while civic authorities take time to set up official feeding points. One recent complaint in Chennai led to a CSR entry against two individuals for feeding on a public road, fueling fear that compassion could be punished while hungry animals suffer and conflicts escalate.
Police headquarters has stated that Station House Officers already have authority to act on cognizable complaints, yet activists warn this stance may leave room for inconsistent responses on the ground. Without clear statewide guidance, individuals who feed animals for survival reportedly face pressure, social media shaming, or legal threats. Meanwhile, civic delays in creating designated feeding areas reportedly leave dogs foraging and vulnerable, which can raise risk of man–animal conflict.
A measured directive can protect people, animals, and public order. Tamil Nadu Police should expressly instruct stations to prevent intimidation of lawful feeders, to treat feeder–neighbor disputes impartially, and to prioritize mediation and evidence-based assessments over reflexive action. The directive should also formalize coordination with municipal bodies so temporary, safe feeding windows and locations exist until designated sites are fully implemented. This petition therefore urges an immediate circular, training for SHOs, and public communication that discourages vigilantism while supporting humane, lawful coexistence.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DGP G. Venkataraman,
Reports from Tamil Nadu describe rising tensions around community-dog feeding following recent Supreme Court observations and ongoing civic delays in establishing designated feeding spaces. Activists have documented incidents in which feeders were allegedly threatened or faced complaints that risk chilling lawful, compassionate conduct. One Chennai incident resulted in a CSR entry against citizens who were feeding on a public road, heightening anxiety across neighborhoods.
We respectfully urge you to issue a statewide directive that: (1) instructs SHOs to safeguard individuals from threats or harassment linked to animal feeding, (2) ensures neutral, evidence-based handling of complaints without bias against feeders, and (3) encourages mediation and problem-solving where safety, hygiene, or obstruction issues are raised. The circular should also call for coordination with municipal bodies so interim, clearly identified feeding windows and locations are communicated until designated spaces are operational.
Clear guidance, training, and public messaging will prevent hostility, reduce calls driven by misunderstanding, and protect public order. A visible directive from your office can deter intimidation, uphold lawful compassion, and support humane, practical solutions while civic infrastructure catches up.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: krishnaraj Ravikumar
