BBMP's Chicken-Rice Scheme For Stray Dogs Faces Flak, Raises Questions Over Priorities

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) new pilot scheme to provide chicken-rice meals to stray dogs in the city has triggered a strong public response, with animal rights activists, health experts, and citizens raising concerns over its intent, implementation, and civic priorities.

Animal rights activist Swarnima Nishant was highly critical of the move, calling it a "drama" and accusing BBMP of repeating publicity gimmicks from the past. "First, treat them as family. The BBMP should consider feeding biryani to community dogs later," she said.

She recalled similar perfunctory measures taken during the Covid-19 lockdown that were later abandoned. "Community dogs are being chased, beaten, and abused across the city. That's the real issue. There are hundreds of animal feeders managing them daily. Instead of supporting them, BBMP is launching a flashy scheme that it will drop in a few months," she added.

She also questioned the civic body's long-standing apathy to the core welfare needs. "Your priorities are going wrong. This looks like another planned scam. Why go for new initiatives when you can't implement the existing ones?" she asked.

Swarnima stressed the need for BBMP to focus first on basic services like animal birth control (ABC), sterilisation, vaccination, and stronger enforcement of laws protecting community animals, especially with the rise of gated apartments and commercial spaces.

The scheme aims to feed 5,000 stray dogs daily with cooked meals including 150g chicken, 100g rice, and vegetables, at a cost of ₹22 per dog. Meals will be prepared in FSSAI-certified kitchens with CCTV monitoring and delivered to fixed locations in all eight zones of the city before 11 am. The total annual budget for this pilot is pegged at ₹2.9 crore.

BBMP officials said the project aims to reduce dog aggression and support sterilisation and vaccination efforts under the broader 'One Health' initiative. "This is a pilot initiative to understand whether systematic feeding can help reduce stray dog aggression and support sterilisation and vaccination efforts," Dr Manjunath Prasad, special commissioner of Health and Sanitation, said.

BBMP officials said the project aims to reduce dog aggression and support sterilisation and vaccination efforts under the broader 'One Health' initiative. (ETV Bharat)

The project currently covers only 4,000 to 5,000 of Bengaluru's estimated 2.8 lakh stray dogs. BBMP is mapping dog populations in each zone and setting up around 100–125 feeding points per zone. Officials clarified that this is not a universal feeding programme but a pilot model to test operational feasibility and health tracking

Meanwhile, some dog feeders like Prabhu, a Jayanagar resident, welcomed the support. "I have been spending from my pocket to feed over 30 dogs daily. If the BBMP steps in with a consistent system, it will help. But feeding alone is not enough — sterilisation drive must follow," he said.

MP Dr Manjunath called the plan a safety risk and questioned spending priorities. "Feeding stray dogs in public spaces will only increase the problem. What the city needs are shelters and strict sterilisation, not chicken-rice packets at taxpayer expense," he added.

The opposition BJP questioned why ₹22 per dog meal is being spent when the mid-day meal for a school child costs ₹12.42. Concerns about corruption in food supply contracts were also raised.

Urging an integrated approach, health experts say feeding should not be viewed in isolation. "Feeding can improve behaviour temporarily, but without birth control, it could increase breeding and pack aggression. The scheme must be linked with ABC and health tracking," warned Dr Ananya Rao, a public health consultant.

BBMP maintains that this is a pilot initiative backed by a ₹60-crore dog management budget. Officials say public feedback, FSSAI standards, and veterinary guidance will be factored into future expansion or revisions.

As the Garden City debates the merit and method of this unique stray dog welfare model, its success or failure may shape how Bengaluru and other urban centres balance compassion, public health, and civic responsibility.

Also Read:

1. Small Traders Get GST Notices Demanding Lakhs Of Rupees In Bengaluru
2. Bengaluru Stampede: Justice Cunha Commission Submits Inquiry Report To Government