GVMC plans 25 feeding zones for stray dogs
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) plans to set up around 25 designated feeding zones for stray dogs across the city. Each zone will have feeding bowls and drinking water troughs, with the aim of promoting responsible feeding and preventing littering on roads and footpaths.
Voluntary organisations and industries will support the initiative through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
The third feeding zone was inaugurated on Friday at the APIIC Greenbelt in Autonagar, Gajuwaka, by GVMC city veterinary officer K. Kiran Kumar, with support from the Kamal Welfare Foundation.
Dr. Kiran Kumar said the civic body had drawn up an action plan to establish feeding points at various locations. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, he said, was giving special attention to providing food and water for stray dogs at designated places while keeping public spaces clean.
The first three zones have received a positive response from animal lovers and voluntary organisations. Encouraged by this, the Kamal Welfare Foundation has offered to support around 25 feeding zones through CSR funding.
The GVMC is identifying suitable locations for additional zones to balance animal welfare with public convenience and urban sanitation.
Dr. Kiran Kumar appealed to animal lovers to feed stray dogs only at designated zones and to avoid leaving food on roads, footpaths and other public areas. He also urged voluntary organisations, industries and other stakeholders to support the initiative.
The GVMC expects the expansion of these zones to encourage responsible feeding practices and improve cleanliness across the city.