Archive · 5 Sep 2026
IIT Hyderabad Campus Dog Dispute Escalates Over Welfare And Safety
Students and IIT Hyderabad officials disagree about how to care for dogs living on campus.
Some students say the dogs are hungry, injured and not getting enough water.
They also say people who feed the dogs are being watched or punished.
The institute says feeding must happen at special points away from busy areas.
It says this helps keep people and dogs safe.
IIT Hyderabad also says most of the dogs have been vaccinated and sterilised.
Students want a committee to investigate complaints and find fair solutions.
The institute says it must protect dogs while also considering children, families, older people and other campus residents.
A complaint about the situation has been sent to Sangareddy police.
Students allege campus dogs face starvation, injuries, harassment and inadequate access to food and water.
They say feeders have been photographed, warned, fined or otherwise penalized for feeding dogs outside designated areas.
IIT Hyderabad says it is following animal-welfare norms while protecting the safety and hygiene of its residential community.
The institute says more than 90% of campus dogs have been vaccinated and sterilised with support from animal-welfare organisations.
An animal-welfare activist’s complaint has been forwarded to Sangareddy police amid calls for an animal-welfare committee.
- Who
- Students, IIT Hyderabad officials, campus residents, animal-welfare groups and an animal-welfare activist are involved.
- What
- A dispute has intensified over the treatment, feeding and management of community dogs on the IIT Hyderabad campus.
- When
- The report refers to the death of a campus dog named Wolfy on Aug. 26; the broader timing of the dispute is not specified.
- Where
- IIT Hyderabad’s residential campus; the activist’s complaint was forwarded to Sangareddy police.
- Why
- Students allege starvation, injuries and harassment, while the institute says its policies are intended to balance canine welfare with public health, hygiene and campus safety.
Student And Animal-Welfare Concerns
Institute Safety And Management Position
Feeding rules
Student And Animal-Welfare Concerns
Students say designated feeding zones are too far from some dogs’ territories and that feeders are targeted for feeding elsewhere.
Institute Safety And Management Position
IIT Hyderabad says feeding points 300–500 metres from busy buildings follow Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines and reduce dog congregations in high-footfall areas.
Treatment of dogs
Student And Animal-Welfare Concerns
Students allege starvation, dehydration, severe injuries and cruelty, including injuries allegedly caused by guards; these claims are presented as allegations.
Institute Safety And Management Position
The institute says it does not support cruelty and is pursuing humane, scientifically informed canine population management.
Campus priorities
Student And Animal-Welfare Concerns
Students say hostility toward feeders and dogs has deepened divisions that could have been addressed through an animal-welfare committee.
Institute Safety And Management Position
IIT Hyderabad says it must balance animal welfare with public health, hygiene and safety for students, children, families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, faculty and staff.
- Dog vaccination and sterilisation
- IIT Hyderabad says more than 90% of campus dogs have been vaccinated and sterilised.
- Feeding locations
- The institute says designated feeding points are 300–500 metres from hostels and academic buildings.
- Student allegations
- Students allege severe starvation, puppy deaths, removed water bowls, serious injuries and harassment of feeders.
- Reported penalties
- Students allege that feeders received warnings, ₹5,000 fines, complaints to teachers and hostel removals.
- Wolfy’s death
- IIT Hyderabad said nothing suspicious was found after campus dog Wolfy died on Aug. 26.
- Animal-welfare support
- The institute identified Blue Cross Hyderabad, Navodaya Vet Society and People for Animals, Hyderabad as supporting vaccination and sterilisation.
- Police complaint
- A complaint filed by an animal-welfare activist was forwarded to Sangareddy police.