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.
Feeding disputes between residents and RWAs are common in Hyderabad’s gated communities and apartment complexes. Both sides often argue from assumptions rather than the actual rules. This guide sets out what the national rules say, so you can resolve it calmly and in writing. For more on caring for dogs, visit our dog hub.
What the rules say
- The RWA has a duty, not just a say. Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the RWA or apartment owners’ association is responsible for arranging feeding of community animals in its area. [S1]
- The spot must be agreed with the feeder, taking into account the number of dogs and their territories, and kept away from children’s play areas. [S1]
- Timing: feeding should happen when children and senior citizens are least likely to be around. [S1]
- The feeder’s duty: the designated feeder must make sure there’s no littering. [S1]
- Streets are off limits. 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.” [S2]
Who decides a dispute
If the RWA and the feeder can’t agree, the ABC Rules provide for an Animal Welfare Committee to decide. It has seven members, including the Chief Veterinary Officer, a representative of the local police and the person complaining. Its decision is final, with an appeal to the State Animal Welfare Board. [S1]
How to resolve it, step by step
- Put it in writing. Write to the RWA committee proposing a specific feeding spot and time, away from play areas, at quiet hours. [S1]
- Offer what the rules ask of you: cleaning up after every feed [S1], and making sure the dogs are sterilised and vaccinated.
- Keep records: your letters, the RWA’s replies, and each dog’s sterilisation and vaccination dates.
- If there’s no agreement, take it to the Animal Welfare Committee rather than escalating within the society. [S1]
- For dogs that aren’t sterilised, contact GHMC. Its Citizen’s Charter (prepared in 2013) names the Veterinary Officer as the officer responsible for catching animals in cases of animal menace and for pet dog licences. [S3]
What the RWA can’t ignore
- The duty to arrange feeding sits with the RWA under the ABC Rules. [S1]
- Under the 22 August 2025 order, sterilised and vaccinated dogs go back to the same area. Rabid or aggressive dogs are not released. [S2]
The exception is institutional premises such as schools, colleges and hospitals, where the Supreme Court has allowed removal of dogs to shelters. A campus feeding group must also file an affidavit accepting liability for bites. [S4]
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Most feeding disputes end when someone puts a reasonable proposal on paper: one spot, a fixed quiet time, a clean area and sterilised dogs. That’s exactly what the rules ask for. Lead with that, keep your tone calm, and escalate only if it’s refused.
🐾 Showing your RWA that the dogs are sterilised and vaccinated helps. Keep each dog’s records 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
Can an RWA in Hyderabad ban dog feeding?
Under the ABC Rules, 2023, the RWA is responsible for arranging feeding of community animals at an agreed spot, not for stopping it. [S1]
Where should feeding happen in an apartment complex?
At a spot agreed between the RWA and the feeder, away from children’s play areas, at times when children and senior citizens are least likely to be around. [S1]
Who settles a feeding dispute?
An Animal Welfare Committee, including the Chief Veterinary Officer and a police representative. Appeals go to the State Animal Welfare Board. [S1]
Can the RWA have street dogs removed?
Under the 22 August 2025 order, sterilised and vaccinated dogs are released back to the same area. Rabid or aggressive dogs are the exception. [S2]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] 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
- [S2] Supreme Court of India, order dated 22 August 2025 (2025 INSC 1018), para 33 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S3] GHMC, Citizen’s Charter, Health & Sanitation Section – ghmc.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S4] Supreme Court of India, judgment dated 19 May 2026 (2026 INSC 506), paras 74–76 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with GHMC, any RWA or any court. This is not legal advice. For your specific dispute, consult a lawyer or your local animal welfare organisation.