In a landmark move aimed at improving urban animal welfare, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to launch a daily feeding programme for 5,000 stray dogs across the city. The initiative includes serving chicken rice and other non-vegetarian meals to ensure the well-being of community animals.
This program marks a significant shift in the city’s approach toward managing the growing stray dog population, with a focus on humane care and public safety. The BBMP aims to curb hunger-driven aggression among strays by ensuring regular access to nutritious food.
BBMP officials confirmed that the rollout will begin in high-density zones and areas with previously reported incidents involving stray dogs. Zones like Koramangala, Indiranagar, Jayanagar, and Rajajinagar are among the first targeted for the feeding drive.
According to sources in the Animal Husbandry Department, each dog will be fed chicken rice or equivalent protein-rich meals once a day. The food will be prepared in designated community kitchens and distributed through mobile feeding units managed by animal welfare volunteers and municipal workers.
Dr. Shilpa Narayan, Chief Veterinary Officer, BBMP, said, “This is more than just a feeding program—it’s a step towards peaceful co-existence. Well-fed dogs are calmer, healthier, and pose less risk to the public.”
The BBMP plans to collaborate with local NGOs, veterinary institutions, and citizen volunteers to ensure smooth implementation. This joint effort will also involve maintaining data on dog health, sterilization status, and vaccination history, tying it into the broader ABC (Animal Birth Control) framework.
The initiative is backed by a monthly budget of ₹25 lakhs, sanctioned under the city’s urban animal welfare fund. This amount will cover procurement of ingredients, staff costs, logistics, and training for handlers.
Additionally, the BBMP will monitor the program’s effectiveness through feedback from residents’ welfare associations and ward-level animal care committees. Adjustments to feeding locations and schedules will be made based on behavioral patterns observed in the dogs and community feedback.
Local citizens and animal lovers have welcomed the move. Sunita Rao, an animal activist from Malleshwaram, said, “This is the kind of proactive governance we need. Regular feeding will reduce fights, reduce garbage scavenging, and help dogs trust humans more.”
The program will also indirectly benefit public sanitation, as well-fed dogs are less likely to raid garbage bins for food. By maintaining a regular feeding routine, BBMP also hopes to establish stable dog colonies, which can be easily monitored and vaccinated, thus minimizing risks of rabies outbreaks.
The first phase of the program is expected to begin by mid-July 2025, after the final vendor agreements and logistic protocols are completed. The program is designed to run daily, with plans for expansion city-wide by the end of the year.
While some critics argue the funds could be better used elsewhere, BBMP officials insist this is an investment in urban harmony and long-term public health.
With this bold initiative, Bengaluru takes a progressive step toward responsible stray dog management—balancing compassion with safety and structure.
