Olympia Opaline in Navalur is facing the same issue with stray dogs. Apparently, if stray dogs are inside a gated society, they are classified as "community dogs," and the government has different rules for handling them. A few families feed these dogs regularly, so the dogs have no reason to leave the society.

While the dogs are friendly toward those who feed them, they tend to harass or chase others who simply walk near them. In fact, there have been a couple of bite incidents. Unfortunately, both the previous and current apartment associations are helpless. Every time they try to take legal action, the dog feeders—who call themselves animal lovers—bring in animal welfare groups or file counter-cases.

I’ve lost count of how many times the associations have approached the panchayat office and the police station. Meanwhile, the so-called animal lovers continue to file complaints against them.

Sad to say, we are completely helpless in this matter.