Bengaluru’s civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has launched a program to provide cooked chicken-based meals to 5,000 stray dogs in the city. Aimed at reducing dog bites, controlling aggression, and improving sterilisation success, the initiative has triggered mixed reactions online and offline.
Not Chicken Biryani, But Vet-Approved Meals
In response to public outrage, BBMP clarified that it is not serving gourmet meals. The food is made from chicken waste and specially formulated for canine digestion. “It’s not biryani, but a nutritious, vet-approved meal developed during pilot projects,” explained Suralkar Vikas Kishor, BBMP’s special commissioner.
Cost and Coverage
At ₹19 per dog per day, the program includes the cost of food (₹11), transport, and cleaning. The total projected annual expenditure is ₹2.9 crore. Though Bengaluru has around 2.7 lakh stray dogs, the scheme will initially cover 5,000 dogs in select hotspot wards where sterilisation and vaccination efforts are lagging.
Legality and Animal Welfare Guidelines
BBMP maintains that the program aligns with the Central Government’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and guidelines by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Since confinement of strays is illegal, community management through controlled feeding is considered best practice.
Political Criticism and Public Backlash
The BJP has criticised the Congress-led state government, questioning the prioritisation of resources. “How can BBMP spend ₹22 per dog when a child’s midday meal costs ₹12.4?” asked CK Ramamurthy, BJP’s Bengaluru South president. Critics argue that funds could be better spent on infrastructure like dog pounds, garbage management, and pothole repairs.
What Lies Ahead
BBMP officials said the program’s future depends on measurable impact. If it results in higher sterilisation rates and a drop in dog bite cases, it may be expanded next year. Until then, the city watches as Bengaluru becomes a test case in balancing animal welfare with public accountability.
