IIT Hyderabad dog-feeding row intensifies as students allege cruelty, harassment

IIT Hyderabad dog-feeding row intensifies as students allege cruelty, harassment

HYDERABAD: The dispute over community dogs on the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) campus has intensified, with students alleging starvation, injuries and harassment of those who feed and care for the animals, as reported by DC.

The institute, however, said it does not support cruelty to animals and is following animal welfare norms while balancing canine welfare with campus safety.

Students reacted to viral chats in which some messages appeared to wish harm to the dogs. They said the messages reflected wider hostility towards community dogs and their caregivers.

Students alleged that feeders were being targeted in groups they described as “IITH street dog haters”. They said photographs of caregivers were circulated and complaints about feeding were discussed in these groups.

They also said the issue had deepened divisions among students that could have been addressed through an animal welfare committee.

“There is severe starvation among the dogs on campus. Many puppies have died,” a student told Deccan Chronicle.

Students alleged that designated feeding zones were 300-500 metres from hostels and academic buildings. They said the locations did not correspond with the territories of dogs living in interior parts of the campus.

They also claimed that water bowls placed for the dogs were being broken or removed, raising concerns over access to water.

Students alleged that security guards and other students photographed or recorded people feeding dogs outside designated zones. They said the material was then sent to the administration.

According to the students, feeders faced warnings, ₹5,000 fines, complaints to teachers and, in some cases, removal from hostels. Two students were allegedly removed from hostels for feeding dogs.

Students raise concerns over injuries and death of campus dogs

Students also alleged that several dogs had suffered serious injuries on the campus.

They said one dog was found with a severe limp and was taken to a hospital, where it received conservative treatment instead of implants. Students further alleged that security guards had injured dogs, including allegedly causing femur fractures.

They referred to another dog that was allegedly beaten and later died after helpers were denied entry to assist it.

The allegations could not be independently verified from the material provided.

IIT Hyderabad cites animal welfare norms and safety concerns

IIT Hyderabad said it was committed to “humane and scientifically informed canine population management”. It said more than 90% of campus dogs had been vaccinated and sterilised with support from Blue Cross of Hyderabad, Navodaya Vet Society and People for Animals, Hyderabad.

The institute said it had designated feeding points 300-500 metres from hostels and academic buildings. It said the arrangement was intended to facilitate responsible feeding while reducing gatherings in high-footfall areas.

Students who feed dogs in populated areas were being warned to follow the policy, the institute said, adding that the policy was within Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines.

On alleged WhatsApp groups and discussions about harming dogs, IIT Hyderabad said it regularly issued advisories on animal management in line with Animal Welfare Board of India norms.

On the death of a campus dog named Wolfy on August 26, the institute said “nothing suspicious” was found.

The institute also said it faced difficulties in securing timely veterinary services because agencies were not always available.

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