BBMP claims Rs 40 cr spent on stray dogs; activists sceptical

In a staggering revelation, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has spent Rs. 40 crore across four years in managing stray dogs in the city. However activists and residents allege that the lack of proper infrastructure shows otherwise. Stray dogs have come into light, after a grievous death of a senior citizen in Jalahalli due to dog bites.

The BBMP has come under the scanner for neglecting the sterilization of stray dogs, and the alleged mismanagement of Animal Birth Control (ABC) infrastructure. Despite pouring crores of money into it, the stagnation in the number of stray dogs reveals that the money may be channeled into a different department, or the data revealed may be false, it can be said. Sujaya Jagadeesh, Animal Activist alleged that the infrastructure for ABCs are in a miserable condition. In areas like Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Bommanahalli, the situation is harrowing.

The boys who work there don’t even have space to work on the dogs,” she alleged. Activists have continuously demanded that the ABC guidelines be put on hold, and focus on improving infrastructure. “Sterilised dogs are not being sutured properly.

This will lead to a spread of infectious disease!,” said Jagadeesh. In 2019-20, the BBMP spent Rs. 4.71 crore, Rs. 6.42 crore in 2020-21, Rs. 8.64 crore in 2021-22, Rs. 8.33 crore in 2022-23, Rs. 9.05 crore in 2023-24 and 2.64 from April to July this year. However, with packs of dogs wandering in the streets, the BBMP’s claims of the same are put into question. Animal Associations have alleged that the civic body does not have the civic sense in doing this work.