Colleges and universities are more than just places of learning; they are vibrant communities where students shape their futures, enjoy time with friends, and explore new experiences. With over 1,113 universities in India, these institutions are often known for their beautiful campuses, complete with top-notch infrastructure and lush gardens. However, these campuses are also home to some unexpected residents—street dogs.
India is home to approximately 60-70 million street dogs, whose lives have become increasingly difficult due to human encroachment and urbanization. As cities expand, street dogs lose their natural habitats and access to food, leading to various health issu
es. Moreover, the growing number of vehicles and shrinking open spaces expose them to higher risks of accidents and injuries. Under such circumstances, they seek refuge in any place they can, including college campuses.
While many students, driven by kindness and compassion, provide food and care for these dogs, the presence of these animals sometimes leads to conflicts between students and college authorities. The best way to address this issue is by creating a "Compassionate Campus" where humans and animals can coexist peacefully. Here are some steps to make this happen:
1. Conduct a Census
Organize the animal lovers in your college into groups, and assign each group a specific area of the campus. Their task is to conduct a census of the dogs living in each of those areas. Early mornings or late evenings are the best time to count the number of dogs and taking pictures of them in their location would also help in the process. Once the census is complete, identify suitable feeding spots that do not interfere with the daily activities of students and staff.
2. Create Feeding Points
Create feedings points in and around the campus/hostels where the dogs could be fed from time to time is a very important step, to bring about harmonized living. These points should be prominently marked, preferably with a board and should be in such a place that its isolated and secluded from the humdrum 
of the college so that students and the faculty feel safe and comfortable. In such a place, the dogs also would not be disturbed during eating and therefore giving them, no opportunity for aggression.
3. Arrange for Food
Collect leftovers from the college mess/canteen or arrange simple meals such as dal-chawal, roti, etc for the dogs. Designate different students to be responsible for feeding the dogs at the established feeding spots each day, ensuring a consistent routine.
3. Provide Water
Place mud bowls in and around the campus and assign students the task of cleaning and filling them with clean water daily. This will ensure that the dogs have access to fresh water at all times.
5. Vaccination and Sterilization
By this point, it is likely that the dogs would have started trusting the students, especially those who feed them. The dog feeders can coordinate with the local municipality or the local animal welfare NGO to arrange for the dogs to be sterilized and vaccinated; they can also help with the difficult task of catching the dogs.
Remember to take the contact information of the person picking up the dogs to ensure that they are safely returned to the campus after surgery and post operation care.
Since the dogs have a short life of just 10-12 years, the dog population will be reduced on the campus, over a period of time. This method of Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release is the humane method recommended by WHO to reduce dog population.
4. Equip with Reflective Collars 
Ensure that all the dogs on the campus are wearing reflective collars so that they are more visible at night, reducing the risk of accidents.
7. Raise Awareness
Reach out to animal welfare NGOs like STRAW India to conduct awareness programs in your college. Educating the student body and faculty about the importance of compassionate treatment of animals can foster a more harmonious environment for students, faculty and the residents.
This approach not only helps to manage the street dog population on campus but also promotes a culture of compassion and responsibility among students. Together, we can create college environments that are inclusive, safe, and supportive for all inhabitants—human and animal alike.