A unique protest against the feeding of stray dogs in a housing complex in Noida has sparked attention after residents brought cattle into the compound. The incident occurred last Sunday at Ecovillage 2 in Greater Noida West, where a group of about a dozen residents fed stray cattle and even brought them into the residential premises.
The protesters argued that if dog enthusiasts are allowed to feed stray dogs freely, then other animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and even monkeys should also be treated the same way. As part of their protest, the residents plan to set up a cattle shed, provide food for the animals, and bring in goats and sheep with hired shepherds.
The protest stems from concerns about an increasing number of stray dogs in the complex. Residents claim the stray dogs, often fed by others, have led to more incidents of dog bites. They argue that this raises the question of why some animals are given preferential treatment.
The protest gained attention when a video showing residents attempting to lure stray cattle into the compound went viral. While some viewers found it amusing, others saw it as a response to the ongoing issue of stray dogs, with a few expressing concerns about the growing tension.
One resident told The Times of India, “We’ve been facing issues with stray dogs for a long time. Despite multiple complaints to the maintenance team and videos of the dog behavior, nothing has been done. So, we decided to protest symbolically — by bringing in cattle. If dogs can roam freely, why not cows and buffaloes?” They also criticized dog lovers who leave food around the complex, causing a mess.
In response, dog lovers within the community maintained that they would continue feeding the stray dogs. One resident expressed support for the broader idea of helping animals in need, adding, “Dog lovers will also appreciate that others are learning from them and helping more animals.”
The protest highlights the ongoing tension between residents and animal rights advocates over the issue of stray animals in urban areas.