Chennai, Sep 24 (NationPress) Animal welfare advocates in Tamil Nadu have appealed to the state police for the protection of those who provide food to stray animals, as tensions escalate due to recent Supreme Court rulings and the slow response from civic bodies in establishing designated feeding areas for these animals. In a formal request submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP), the Blue Cross of India reported various instances where feeders faced threats or intimidation for their acts of kindness.

The organization is pushing for a statewide directive that would instruct police stations to safeguard these compassionate individuals from harassment.

In response to the request, the state police headquarters indicated that an additional circular was not required, asserting that Station House Officers (SHOs) across the state already possess the authority to act on complaints that suggest a cognizable offense.

“Upon receiving such information, the SHO will respond according to the law. Therefore, no further circular is necessary,” the communication emphasized.

The discussion surrounding feeding stray dogs has escalated recently after the Supreme Court suggested that stray dogs should not be fed in public areas like streets and parks, urging municipal corporations to collaborate with animal activists to create designated feeding spots.

This observation from the apex court, made during discussions regarding the alleged issues posed by stray dogs, has sparked significant division between those who advocate for animal welfare and those who consider stray populations a public inconvenience.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that establishing these feeding zones will take time, and animals cannot be left to suffer from hunger in the meantime. This necessity to feed dogs has led to confrontations between animal supporters and residents who oppose their presence.

Earlier this month, the Kotturpuram police in Chennai recorded a Community Service Register (CSR) entry against two individuals for feeding stray dogs on a public road. The complaint, which included video evidence shared on social media, claimed that the practice disturbed the local area. The complainant also threatened that if no action was taken by the police or civic authorities, he would escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

Activists believe that such actions could discourage the public from showing compassion towards animals and might incite hostility towards feeders. This could also exacerbate conflicts between humans and animals, as hungry dogs may suffer abuse when scavenging for food without support from feeders.

“Feeding animals is not a crime; it is a moral obligation. The law should protect compassion, not penalize it,” an activist from the Blue Cross stated.

As tensions rise within communities, the issue has become a flashpoint between animal rights organizations, residents’ associations, and the various interpretations of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.