The University of Mumbai has taken a firm stance against the unregulated feeding of stray animals on its Kalina campus. In a recent directive issued on September 8, 2026, the university administration officially prohibited outsiders and local residents from entering the premises specifically to feed the stray dog population. This move comes after a series of reports from students and staff members regarding the increasing number of canines and the subsequent risks of dog bites and unhygienic conditions within the academic blocks.
For several months, the Kalina campus, which spans over 240 acres, has become a flashpoint for conflict between animal welfare activists and the university management. Security personnel have been instructed to strictly monitor the entry points and prevent individuals from carrying food for the animals into the campus. The Mumbai University officials stated that while they are not against animal welfare, the current situation has become unmanageable and poses a direct threat to the 25,000 students who visit the campus daily.
- Feeding ban enforced — Outsiders are no longer permitted to feed stray dogs inside the campus gates
- Safety concerns cited — Rising instances of aggressive dog behavior and bites prompted the administration's move
- Hygiene and sanitation — Leftover food and animal waste have reportedly affected the cleanliness of the campus
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, as mandated by the Supreme Court of India, emphasize that stray dogs should be sterilized and vaccinated rather than simply removed. However, the university argues that the presence of "feeding spots" near libraries and hostels has led to dogs becoming territorial and aggressive towards passersby. A senior official from the University of Mumbai remarked, "Our primary responsibility is the safety of our students and the maintenance of a clean academic environment."
Animal rights organizations have expressed strong opposition to the ban, claiming it violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Activists argue that stopping the food supply will only make the dogs more desperate and aggressive. They have called for a more collaborative approach where designated feeding zones are established away from high-traffic student areas. Meet Ashar, a prominent animal rights advocate, has previously noted that "starving animals is not a solution to conflict; it only exacerbates the problem."
The situation at Kalina reflects a broader urban challenge across Mumbai, where the stray dog population is estimated to be over 1.6 lakh. Residents in neighborhoods like Santacruz and Kurla, which border the campus, often use the university grounds as a safe haven for feeding. The university's new policy includes the installation of additional CCTV cameras and increased patrolling by the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) to ensure the ban is effectively implemented.
Students have expressed mixed reactions to the news. While many who have faced aggressive dogs while walking to evening classes welcome the move, others feel that the animals are part of the campus culture. Rahul Deshmukh, a postgraduate student, said, "I have seen several instances of dogs chasing students on bikes. It was getting dangerous, especially after sunset when the lighting is poor in some areas of the campus."
As the standoff continues, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been requested to intervene and assist with a comprehensive sterilization drive within the campus. The university plans to work with local NGOs to relocate some of the animals to shelters, though this remains a legally complex process. For now, the gates of the Kalina campus remain closed to those carrying bowls of kibble and leftovers, as the administration prioritizes a "dog-free" academic zone.
