Clash over feeding stray dogs in Faridabad’s Kenwood Tower in Charmwood Village turned a quiet Saturday night into chaos. What started as a small disagreement over feeding stray dogs quickly grew into a violent clash between residents and two animal welfare volunteers.
Around 11 PM, resident Danish Goswami said two women, Girija Lahoti and Swechcha Ganpati, entered the society without permission to feed stray dogs. According to him, the situation escalated when one of the women sprayed pepper spray on his wife, Vibha Goswami, and hit their young son. He added that the society had already warned people not to feed dogs inside the premises after a delivery boy was bitten earlier.
Preeti Jadwani, vice-president of the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), supported Danish’s claim. She said the two women ignored repeated warnings and kept feeding the dogs. As the situation worsened, more residents gathered, and the police arrived. Vibha and her son stood at the center of the dispute when the pepper spray incident happened.
Police later filed a complaint against Girija and Swechcha at the Surajkund police station. They charged them with assault and trespassing under the Indian Penal Code.
However, the women presented a different version of events. Swechcha denied the charges and said they were the actual victims. She explained they were feeding dogs at one of three official feeding points approved by the Faridabad Municipal Corporation. They also carried valid ID cards from the Animal Welfare Board of India. According to her, Danish was drunk and led a mob of 100 to 200 people who surrounded and harassed them. Girija added that Vibha snatched her phone, threw a slipper, and threatened her with a construction rod.
The women said they used pepper spray only for self-defense after warning the crowd several times. They denied spraying a child, claiming the boy was brought in later to support the residents’ version. The crowd grew so aggressive that the women stayed inside a car for nearly two hours. The mob even stopped police from leaving. Later, Girija and Swechcha filed their own complaint, accusing residents of harassment and assault.
The incident shows a deeper conflict in cities like Faridabad, where animal welfare activists and residents often clash. Officials say such disputes are becoming more common. At present, the city has more than 150 official dog-feeding points. These designated zones aim to balance animal care with residents’ safety and comfort.
Authorities are now creating new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage dog feeding. One proposal includes fines for feeding stray animals outside official areas. The Supreme Court of India has also directed authorities to create specific zones for feeding stray dogs to reduce conflicts and promote peaceful living.
In conclusion, the Clash over feeding stray dogs at Kenwood Tower shows the urgent need for stronger rules, better cooperation, and clear communication between animal lovers, residents, and local authorities. As cities become more crowded, clear policies and mutual understanding will be essential to prevent such incidents and ensure peaceful coexistence.
