Hyderabad: Woman alleges threat from neighbours for feeding strays

HYDERABAD: A 45-year-old woman living at Dharani Nagar colony in Kukatpally has alleged that she was harassed by her neighbours for feeding stray dogs in the area. The woman, Kande Shanti, has been feeding the community dogs since the past 11 years, also alleged that the neighbours went to the extent of threatening her of dire consequences if she continues to feed the dogs.
Speaking to TOI, Shanti said, “I have been feeding these dogs. I got them spayed and vaccinated so they don’t become a threat to anyone in the colony. Since the past few days, five men have been harassing me over feeding these dogs.” She also stated that the police are not registering an FIR despite her filing a complaint against the five men.
Colony president Mahender Reddy, whom TOI contacted, had a different take on the issue. He said, “The issue arose after one of the dogs destroyed a car cover and the neighbours alleged that the woman attacked a five-year-old child with a small stone after he tried to hit one of the dogs. There was no harassment. We have only requested the woman to stop feeding the dogs for a few days so that they go somewhere else.” He added, “The dogs bark all night and try to attack people who pass the area.”
A complaint has been filed by both the parties at Jagadgirigutta PS. However, no FIR has been registered yet. “We have received counter-petitions from both parties. We gave them the receipt and are enquiring about the case. The FIR will be registered after we discuss the case with the CI,” said K Lingam, inspector.