BBMP launches Rs 2.88-crore plan to feed chicken, rice to 5000 stray dogs
Bengaluru: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has rolled out a Rs 2.88-crore annual programme to feed non-vegetarian meals—chicken and rice—to around 5,000 stray dogs in few areas of the city.
The civic body aims to curb the city’s rising dog bite cases, currently ranging from 500 to 1,500 per month, through this dog-feeding plan, as reported by Deccan Herald on Friday.
The BBMP will spend Rs 22 per dog per day, which includes transportation and distribution costs. The budget reportedly covers around 5,000 street dogs, including transportation costs.
“Many people find the initiative amusing, but it is not. We have consulted experts before drawing up the plan,” DH quoted BBMP Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore as saying. He noted that the programme would be implemented in areas with frequent dog bite incidents.
Previously, BBMP had urged citizens to voluntarily feed strays at their own expense. However, with limited public participation, the civic body decided to allocate funds directly for the programme.
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Critics argue that BBMP should focus on core civic issues rather than animal feeding. Dog lovers, however, have welcomed the initiative.
Prema Prasad, a Koramangala resident who feeds over 150 dogs daily, said it had become very expensive to feed street dogs, and BBMP’s intervention was a positive step. “So far, the civic body’s animal husbandry wing has spent money on many unnecessary activities. This is a much-needed change,” DH quoted her as saying.
“When dogs have full stomachs, conflicts are reduced. We must treat them as our own,” she said, urging BBMP to also consider providing small shelters to ensure the animals' safety and well-being.
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Exotic reptiles seized from passenger at Kempegowda International Airport
Bengaluru, Aug 13 (PTI): Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport near Devanahalli said they had seized several exotic and protected reptiles, including snakes, from a passenger who arrived from Bangkok.
The seizure was made on Tuesday during luggage screening, when reptiles were found packed in boxes concealed inside the passenger’s baggage, they said.
The animals, smuggled illegally into the country, were confiscated, and the passenger is under investigation.
The seized reptiles have been handed over to the Forest Department for further action, they added.
