Stray Dogs in Bengaluru:
In an effort to address the growing stray dog population, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a significant initiative to feed 5,000 stray dogs across the city. The scheme, which carries a budget of Rs 2.88 crore, will provide cooked chicken rice to the dogs daily. The plan is part of a broader public participation campaign aimed at supporting stray animals and encouraging communal care.
Under the ‘Kukkir Tihar’ initiative, BBMP will feed 5,000 dogs daily with 367 grams of chicken rice at Rs 22 per dog, with an annual budget of Rs 2.88 crore, covering all eight zones: East, West, South, RR Nagar, Dasarahalli, Bommanahalli, Yelahanka, and Mahadevapura.
Each zone will be allocated an annual budget of Rs 36 lakh to carry out the project.
The initiative has received mixed reactions, particularly from political figures like Tamil Nadu Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram. He raised concerns about the program, arguing that feeding stray dogs on the streets could lead to serious health and safety risks. Chidambaram advocated for relocating the dogs to shelters where they can be fed, vaccinated, and sterilized. He emphasized that feeding stray dogs in public areas may contribute to the spread of diseases such as rabies, especially considering India’s high stray dog population.
India has one of the largest stray dog populations globally, with over 6.2 crore stray dogs. The country also accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies-related deaths. Despite efforts like the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, there are concerns about the ineffective implementation of these policies. Chidambaram proposed the formation of a National Task Force to create a long-term solution to the stray dog crisis.
To implement this scheme, BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department has issued tenders for FSSAI-registered caterers to provide daily meals for up to 4,000 dogs in the first phase. Vendors will be responsible for establishing food preparation facilities, ensuring hygiene, and delivering meals to designated locations across the city.
This initiative, while well-intentioned, has sparked a debate on the best way to handle the growing issue of stray dogs in India’s cities.
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