The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is launching a ₹2.9 crore (approximately $347,000 USD) initiative to provide daily meals of chicken rice to stray dogs in Bengaluru, aiming to address dog aggression and improve public safety. This unprecedented program, the first of its kind in India, has sparked both praise from animal rights activists and criticism regarding the use of public funds.
The BBMP plans to feed 5,000 stray dogs across the city's eight zones. Each dog will receive 367 grams of chicken rice per day, a calorie-calibrated mix designed to meet the nutritional needs of a typical 15kg dog. The meal consists of 150g of chicken (protein), 100g of rice (carbohydrates), 100g of vegetables (minerals), and 10g of oil (fats), providing 465-750 kcal of energy. The cost is estimated at ₹22 per dog, totaling an annual expenditure of ₹2.88 crore.
The initiative, initially branded as 'Kukkir Tihar', is framed as a public participation campaign encouraging community responsibility in caring for stray animals. The BBMP will onboard designated vendors to feed 400 to 500 selected dogs in each zone at 100 to 125 feeding points. The contract includes maintaining cleanliness at the feeding sites. The BBMP encourages voluntary citizen participation, inviting residents to contribute financially to the feeding efforts.
BBMP officials state the scheme will ensure every street dog is well-fed, reduce scavenging, and help control aggression among strays. A senior BBMP official emphasized that this is not just a welfare step but also a safety initiative.
However, the program has faced criticism. Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram questioned the rationale behind feeding stray dogs on the streets, calling it a "huge health and safety hazard" and urging for shelter-based, scientific solutions. Critics argue that the funds would be better spent on sterilizing and controlling the dog population. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased street dog-related safety and public health issues. Some citizens, like one individual whose father was chased by stray dogs, believe the BBMP should prioritize sterilization over feeding.
