Owaisi flags pigeon feeding, stray dog surge as public health risks in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi on Tuesday flagged what he described as rising public health risks from rampant pigeon feeding and the unchecked growth of the stray dog population in Hyderabad.
Owaisi said large-scale pigeon feeding in public spaces was contributing to respiratory ailments, including lung-related complications, citing health concerns linked to droppings and feathers. He urged residents to stop feeding pigeons on roads and other public areas, warning that prolonged exposure could aggravate breathing disorders.
The AIMIM leader also raised alarm over what he termed an “unchecked surge” in the city’s stray dog population, claiming it was “becoming equal to humans” in several localities. He pointed to frequent dog bite cases and sought immediate intervention by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
Calling for coordinated action, Owaisi urged civic authorities to intensify monitoring, enforce existing norms on public feeding, and step up animal control measures. He also appealed for public awareness campaigns to address the health risks while ensuring humane handling of animals.
