India: Dogs create a nuisance around Kanpur IIT's 13 hostels

Stray dogs in India

Kanpur: Several dog bite cases have taken place in recent days at IIT here. A section of faculty members and other officials have demanded a ban on stray dogs on its premises.

The institute's animal welfare cell had already decided to remove the dogs. The dog feeders alleged that they were being harassed.

Refuting the allegations, IIT-Kanpur director Prof Abhay Karandikar said: "We are not against stray dogs. We have an animal protection cell within the campus. The authorities have discussed the matter at length, and decided to let stray dogs stroll in the open areas such as gardens, but not near hostels."

He said that eight to 10 students had submitted a representation to Animal Welfare Board of India stating that they would like to continue feeding the dogs."

A team of AWBI did not turn up on campus as per the assurance, as the news goes.

As many as 9,000 students reside in 13 hostels. Their safety is also important.

Dogs have also attacked peacocks on the campus, he said.

Prof Karandikar added the institute was not against dogs, and only wanted to restrict their movement near hostels