BBMP to Spend INR 2.9 Crore on Daily Stray Dog Feeding Plan Across Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to launch a INR 2.9-crore daily feeding programme for stray dogs across the city. Designed to reduce dog aggression and improve public safety, the initiative will begin with 5,000 strays across Bengaluru’s eight municipal zones.

Each dog will receive one calorie-controlled meal per day, weighing 367 grams. The meal is structured to suit the dietary needs of a 15kg dog and includes 150g chicken, 100g rice, 100g vegetables, and 10g oil, providing between 465 and 750 kilocalories. Each meal will cost INR 22.42.

BBMP plans to feed 400–500 dogs per zone through designated vendors. Feeding will be done at 100 to 125 points in each zone, and cleanliness will be enforced as part of the vendor contract. "Feeding sites will need to be clean," said Animal Husbandry Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore.

"This is the first time a municipal body in India has taken up scheduled mass feeding of stray animals," a BBMP official stated. "It's not just a welfare step - it's a safety initiative."

The programme has sparked mixed reactions. Animal welfare groups have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue intervention. However, some residents have questioned the use of public funds for feeding instead of focusing on sterilisation and control.

"My elderly father was chased by stray dogs just last week. Instead of spending crores on chicken rice, BBMP should focus on sterilising and controlling the dog population first. Feeding is not the solution," said Sowmya Ramesh, a resident of Jayanagar.

Kiran Raj from Hulimavu offered a different view: "This is a welcome step. Many of us already feed stray dogs with our own money. If BBMP is stepping in to help, it can make a big difference - provided it's done responsibly and without corruption."

The civic body is currently in the process of onboarding vendors, with implementation expected to begin soon.