“If You Can’t Remove the Dogs, Then Relocate the Humans!” — Tilak Nagar Residents Voice Strong Protest

Udaipur: Public anger over the growing menace of stray dogs in the city has now come out openly. In Tilak Nagar Sector 3, packs of stray dogs have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Chasing pedestrians, lunging at them, and intimidating passersby have become daily occurrences. Children, women, and elderly residents say they no longer feel safe in their own neighborhood.

Local resident Ankita Chhajed said that whenever she or her children step out of the house—whether on a scooter or on foot—the dogs start chasing them. “Every day we leave home in fear. We never know when an incident might occur,” she said.

Nisha Chaplot shared that once while returning from school with her children, a group of dogs suddenly chased them, and she narrowly avoided falling. “If I had lost balance that day, it could have led to a serious accident,” she said with concern. Elderly residents have almost stopped their morning and evening walks, and children are afraid to play outside.

Shani Jain and Khushboo Jain said that the dogs begin troubling them as soon as they step out of their lane. On several occasions, passersby had to intervene to help them. “Every day someone has to run in fear. How long will this situation continue?” they questioned.

Prachi Maru also reported that she fell while being chased by dogs during her morning walk. She was able to get to safety only after nearby residents heard her cries and came to help.

To ensure human safety and restore peace in the colony, a meeting of residents was organized. Among those present were Ankita Chhajed, Shani Jain, Khushboo Jain, Heena Nahar, Ravi Idival, Sandeep Nahar, Prasoon Jain, Pradeep Chaplot, Vicky Kothari, Vikas Chhajed, and other residents. During the meeting, women expressed sharp reactions, stating that those concerned about the dogs should take the stray dogs into their own homes. “A colony is meant for human habitation, yet here children, women, and the elderly are unsafe,” they said.

Residents pointed out that incidents of children being attacked are becoming increasingly common and dog-bite cases are regularly reported, yet the administration appears inactive. “Is a common citizen’s life of no value? Isn’t it the system’s responsibility to ensure our safety?” these questions were repeatedly raised.

Taking a dig at the administration, residents said authorities often cite court orders as a reason for not removing stray dogs. If, according to regulations, dogs must remain in residential colonies, then will safe spaces be arranged for humans instead? Is such a system just and fair?

The meeting also questioned whether the government, administration, or judiciary could not take suo motu cognizance on moral grounds. Must citizens always resort to protests, demonstrations, or submitting memorandums? Will action only be taken after a major tragedy?

Residents clarified that they respect the law and do not seek confrontation, but human life and safety must be the top priority. They have demanded that the administration formulate a concrete strategy without delay and take immediate action to resolve the stray dog issue to restore a fear-free environment in the area.

Warning of further steps, residents stated that if their concerns are not addressed promptly, they will escalate the matter to the District Collector and other authorities, submit formal memorandums, and, if necessary, proceed with democratic forms of protest.