Court orders and rules can change. Last checked against official sources on 08-10-2026. The Supreme Court next hears the stray dog case on 17 November 2026, and we’ll update this page after that.
If you feed street dogs in Pune, the rules come from two places: national rules set by the Supreme Court and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which runs the sterilisation programme. This guide puts both together. For more on caring for dogs, visit our dog hub.
The national rules that apply in Pune
- Designated feeding spaces, not streets. The Supreme Court’s 22 August 2025 order directs dedicated feeding spaces in every municipal ward and says: “Under no condition shall the feeding of stray dogs on the streets be permitted.” [S1]
- Your housing society has a duty. Under the ABC Rules, 2023, the RWA or AOA is responsible for arranging feeding of community animals, at a spot agreed with the feeder, away from children’s play areas, and at times when children and senior citizens are least likely to be around. [S2]
- Disputes go to an Animal Welfare Committee, which includes the Chief Veterinary Officer and a police representative. [S2]
- On college campuses, a group feeding dogs must file an affidavit with the head of the institution accepting liability for dog bites, or feeding isn’t allowed there. [S3]
What PMC asks of residents
- PMC asks each housing society to adopt at least one stray dog and take responsibility for its feeding, sterilisation and vaccination. [S4]
- PMC sterilises and vaccinates street dogs through its ABC programme and releases them back where they were caught, within five days. Sterilised dogs have their right ear notched. [S4]
- PMC lists removing dogs that are already sterilised, and moving dogs from one place to another, as offences under the ABC Rules, 2023. [S4]
How to feed within the rules in Pune
- Ask your PMC ward office whether a feeding space has been designated for your area, and ask for the answer in writing. [S1]
- If you live in a society, agree a feeding spot and time with the managing committee, in writing. [S2]
- Clean up after every feed. The ABC Rules make the designated feeder responsible for making sure there’s no littering. [S2]
- Check that every dog you feed is sterilised (look for the right-ear notch). If not, report it to PMC’s ABC programme. [S4]
PMC contacts
- Complaints online: complaint.pmc.gov.in or pmccare.in, or the PMCCARE app [S5]
- Toll free: 1800 1030 222 [S5]
- WhatsApp: 9689900002 [S5]
- PMC Veterinary Section: 02025501236, 02025501237 [S4]
For more on getting street dogs sterilised in Pune, see our guide to free sterilisation for street dogs in Pune.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Pune’s own suggestion, that every society adopts at least one dog, is the most practical way through feeding disputes. A society that has agreed a spot, a time and a responsible person rarely ends up in a fight. Put the agreement in writing, and keep the dogs sterilised and vaccinated.
🐾 Looking after your society’s community dog? Keep its sterilisation and vaccination dates in a free Pet Passport.
Read more: how to feed street dogs responsibly in India and what the Supreme Court’s 19 May 2026 judgment says.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to feed street dogs in Pune?
Yes, at designated feeding spaces. The Supreme Court’s 22 August 2025 order says feeding on the streets isn’t permitted. [S1]
Can my Pune housing society stop me from feeding dogs?
Under the ABC Rules, 2023, the society is responsible for arranging feeding of community animals at an agreed spot. Disputes go to an Animal Welfare Committee. [S2]
Can PMC relocate street dogs from my area?
PMC lists moving dogs from one place to another as an offence under the ABC Rules, 2023. Sterilised dogs are released back where they were caught. [S4]
Who do I call in Pune about street dogs?
PMC’s toll-free number, 1800 1030 222, or WhatsApp 9689900002. [S5]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Supreme Court of India, order dated 22 August 2025 (2025 INSC 1018), para 33 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S2] Bombay High Court order of 20 March 2023 setting out Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 (published by AWBI) – awbi.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 03-10-2026
- [S3] Supreme Court of India, judgment dated 19 May 2026 (2026 INSC 506), para 74 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S4] Pune Municipal Corporation, Veterinary Department – pmc.gov.in – Last checked: 03-10-2026
- [S5] Pune Municipal Corporation, eFAQ – Veterinary – efaq.pmc.gov.in – Last checked: 03-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with the Pune Municipal Corporation or any court. This is not legal advice.