A heated exchange between a woman and a police constable late at night at Chennai’s Thiruvanmiyur beach has triggered a fresh debate on stray dog management and public safety of women. The woman, who has been feeding stray dogs on the beach for nearly 20 years, got into an argument with the police after constable Karthik stopped her from doing so, arguing that if food is not given, the dogs will stop coming.
The woman, who is involved in animal welfare work, hit back, saying the number of dogs is increasing due to the administration’s negligence and the weaknesses of the sterilisation programme (ABC). She also said that some people deliberately leave dogs on the beach.
A woman feeding stray dogs at night in Chennai was told by a cop, “harassment happens if you roam after 12 am.” The remark went viral, sparking criticism, but police have yet to act. #News #Thiruvanmiyur #chennai #TNPolice #chennailive pic.twitter.com/zmWlaEWbxd
— Chennai Live Digital 104.8 (@chennailive1048) August 26, 2025
Matters got worse when the woman mentioned the molestation incident of her aunt in May this year. The constable not only made an insensitive comment, but also blamed the woman, saying “if you walk on the beach at midnight, this is bound to happen.” He even said that he could be arrested for feeding dogs.
This statement went viral on social media and sparked outrage. Women’s rights activists and citizens condemned the constable’s thinking, calling it an example of victim-blaming mentality.
The woman, during the entire debate, highlighted the failure of the administration, saying that the municipal bodies are neither sterilizing dogs nor taking any steps to prevent them from being released in public places.
Later, Constable Karthik clarified that his intention was only to ensure the safety of the woman, but in the viral video, he was seen in a threatening posture, which raised questions about his statements.
This controversy has arisen at a time when recently the Supreme Court has changed its old order and allowed the release of sterilized dogs, but has banned feeding them in public places. The court has also said that no one should interfere in the work of the municipal bodies.
