With the results set to be announced tomorrow (October 1) at 2pm, the contest celebrates some of the city’s much-loved community dogs but has also sparked a conversation about more serious issues, such as their health. Delhi’s fat community dogs have found an unlikely fan following with the legit viral Fat Dogs of Delhi competition. It has put the Capital’s portly pooches in the spotlight by inviting people to vote for their favourites.
But, the larger question is: does a visibly overweight community dog necessarily mean it’s being overfed? “With community dogs, the biggest issue is the lack of management. Responsible feeding, while recognising that dogs are scavengers by nature, is the most practical way to care for them,” she adds. “But feeding may sometimes play only a small role in weight gain among community dogs. We also see dogs with underlying health issues and complications following sterilisation and inadequate aftercare. There is only so much individual feeders or even NGOs can do for community dogs. Feeders, however, say that organised neighbourhood networks are already doing precisely this. “Overfeeding is not something we commonly see among community dogs.
Adding to this, city-based dog trainer Shalini Mukerji says management is the key. When a community dog appears obese, it’s important to assess its health rather than simply assume it is being overfed,” says Noida-based veterinarian Dr Tanya Bansal, adding, “Limited access to consistent healthcare remains a challenge. Feeders are usually in constant touch with one another,” says Epsita Agastya, a dog feeder and advocate based in Mayur Vihar Extension.
