Why IIT Bombay Restricted Stray Animal Feeding to 19 Spots
IIT Bombay has introduced new animal management guidelines after recent wildlife incidents on campus, including a leopard reportedly taking away a stray dog. The institute has restricted feeding of community dogs and cats to 19 designated spots and announced fines of INR 10,000 for the first violation and INR 25,000 for repeat offences. The rules also cover pet registration and animal welfare measures.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has introduced new guidelines for managing community animals on its campus, limiting the feeding of stray dogs and cats to 19 designated locations. The move comes after recent wildlife-related incidents, including a leopard reportedly taking away a stray dog from a residential area on the campus.
The institute said the new rules are aimed at improving campus safety, maintaining hygiene and ensuring responsible animal welfare practices. The guidelines, issued by the public health office, have been displayed across residential areas of the campus. Mumbai: Crocodile Spotted in Powai, Safely Rescued After Alert (Watch Videos).
Why Did IIT Bombay Restrict Animal Feeding to 19 Spots?
Under the new policy, feeding of community dogs and cats will be permitted only at 19 designated spots across the IIT Bombay campus. Feeding animals in other areas, including hostel premises, has been prohibited.
Only students, faculty members, staff, campus residents and the agency authorised by the institute for stray animal management will be allowed to feed community animals. Visitors, delivery personnel and contractual workers will not be permitted to feed animals on campus. Violations could result in cancellation of entry passes and permanent restrictions on campus access. IIT Roorkee Viral Video: Students Use Floating Platform To Tackle Waterlogged Campus.
Penalties for Violating Animal Feeding Rules
To ensure compliance, IIT Bombay has introduced financial penalties for those who feed community animals outside the approved locations. Individuals found violating the rule will face a fine of INR 10,000 for the first offence. Repeat violations will attract a penalty of INR 25,000, along with stricter action in cases of repeated non-compliance. The institute said the measures are part of efforts to maintain a safer environment for students, residents and animals.
The guidelines also include provisions related to animal welfare. Feeding rotten, spoiled or unsafe food to animals has been prohibited. The administration said administering poison or any harmful substance to animals would be treated as grave misconduct. Those involved in such actions could face immediate debarment from residential facilities and legal action.
Pet Registration and Access Rules
The institute has also issued guidelines for pet owners living on campus. Residents must register their pet animals on the civic body's portal. Pet dogs will not be allowed inside academic buildings under the new rules.
IIT Bombay's Powai campus is located near forested areas and has previously reported interactions between wildlife and campus residents. The institute said the new guidelines are intended to balance animal welfare with the safety, cleanliness and security requirements of a large residential educational campus.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2026 06:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).