The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a pioneering project aimed at feeding stray dogs across select areas in the city. The Animal Husbandry Department organised the ‘Festival of Dogs’ on 17th October 2024 to mark the launch of this initiative. With the project initially covering eight zones, the BBMP hopes to roll it out citywide based on the success of this pilot phase, according to the Special Commissioner (Health). This effort is part of a broader “One Health and Coexistence” approach, ensuring adequate food supply for stray dogs in areas with food scarcity.
The initiative has received support from various stakeholders, including health officials, animal welfare officers, and citizens. Volunteers, hotel owners, and restaurant operators are working collaboratively to collect leftover food, which will be distributed daily to stray dogs. The focus is on ensuring that the food is healthy, non-spicy, and oil-free, providing a balanced diet to minimise the chances of health issues in the animals. The primary goal is to address the nutrition gap, which is believed to contribute to the rising number of dog bite incidents and aggression in stray dogs.
In its pilot phase, specific feeding stations have been set up in the identified zones, equipped with water bowls and signage. These stations will be monitored over the next month to assess the programme’s effectiveness. Feedback from local residents and animal welfare volunteers will guide any necessary adjustments before citywide implementation. The BBMP has indicated that public response to the programme so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many recognising the need for a sustainable solution to address the stray dog issue.
Bengaluru is home to an estimated 2.7 lakh stray dogs, and food scarcity has been identified as a key factor in their behavioural issues. The BBMP hopes this project will not only reduce dog bites but also foster a more harmonious coexistence between residents and stray dogs. In a related effort, the BBMP is preparing to launch the “Coexistence Champion Localities” campaign in partnership with Resident Welfare Associations, promoting community engagement in stray animal welfare.
This initiative is grounded in sustainable practices, as it reduces food waste by repurposing leftover food from hotels and restaurants to feed strays. Moreover, it contributes to reducing food-related aggression in stray dogs, ensuring a safer urban environment. The effort to foster coexistence between humans and stray animals also reflects broader sustainability goals in urban planning.
