First-of-its-kind move; BBMP launches dog feeding programme on a pilot basis

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Puppies and dogs had a field day at the civic headquarters here as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) launched a pilot project for dog feeding centres across eight zones on Thursday. The city has witnessed a surge in dog bite incidents this year. According to reports, over 13,000 cases have been recorded in the last six months, and officials warn the figure could rise to 30,000 by the end of the year. A tragic case that prompted action by the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department was the death of a 76-year-old woman due to dog bites in an army campus in Jalahalli. The pilot study aims to bring together stakeholders such as civic workers, hoteliers, residents, caretakers, and health workers. Over 200 individuals have expressed interest in helping with coordination. “The coordination programme, announced last month, will be tested starting Thursday for public feedback,” said BBMP Special Commissioner (Health & Animal Husbandry) Suralkar Vikas Kishore.

Dogs will be fed at designated feeding points in all eight zones. A bowl of food and water will be provided, and health workers will gather suggestions on the diet and feeding schedule. “Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) of apartment complexes will also be involved in the programme,” added Kishore. The BBMP has enumerated 2.7 lakh stray dogs in Bengaluru and believes that regular feeding could help reduce dog bite incidents. Hoteliers supporting the BBMP’s initiative say logistics are still being worked out. “We’ve held discussions with the Special Commissioner and are happy to assist, but we need to finalize how the food will be distributed and identify suitable locations,” said PC Rao, Honorary President of the Bangalore Hotels Association (BHA). While activists welcome the BBMP’s move, they continue to raise concerns about the inactivity of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. “Recent dog bite incidents have made the public wary of stray dogs. This programme will support feeders and gradually raise public awareness of dog feeding,” said animal activist Sujaya Jagadeesh. Jagadeesh also questioned the BBMP’s dog enumeration figures. “Do we really know how many of the 2.7 lakh stray dogs are still alive?” she asked.