BBMP’s Chicken-Rice Scheme for Stray Dogs Faces Sharp Criticism, Raises Questions Over Priorities
Stray Dog Welfare or PR Stunt? “Treat Dogs Like Family, Not a Gimmick,” Swarnima Nishant
Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) new pilot scheme to provide chicken and rice meals to stray dogs in Bengaluru has triggered a strong public response, with animal rights activists, health experts, and citizens raising concerns over its intent, implementation, and civic priorities.
“First Treat Them as Family, Not a Publicity Stunt”
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.
“The BBMP should consider feeding biryani to community dogs later. First, treat them as family,” she said.
She recalled similar token 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 neglect of core welfare needs.
“Your priorities are going really wrong. This looks like another planned scam. Why go for new initiatives when you can’t implement the existing ones?”
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.
₹2.88 Crore Scheme to Feed 5,000 Stray Dogs
The BBMP’s 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 city zones 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,” said Dr. Manjunath Prasad, Special Commissioner, Health and Sanitation.
Limited Scope, Not for All Strays
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.
Mixed Reactions from Public and Politicians
While some dog feeders like Prabhu, a Jayanagar resident, welcomed the support,
“I’ve been spending from my own pocket to feed over 30 dogs daily. If the BBMP steps in with a consistent system, it’ll help. But feeding alone is not enough—sterilisation must follow,” he said.
The initiative has also drawn political criticism.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram 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.”
Others on social media 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.
Health Experts Urge Integrated Approach
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,” warned Dr. Ananya Rao, a public health consultant. “The scheme must be linked with ABC and health tracking.”
BBMP Response and Way Forward
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 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.
🗣️ Quotes
Swarnima Nishant, Animal Rights Activist:
“The BBMP should consider feeding biryani to community dogs later. First, treat them like family.”
“This is a drama. They did it during COVID, and they’re repeating it again. It will fade in a few months.”
“Community dogs are being beaten and chased, while feeders are managing things on their own. This seems like a planned scam.”
“BBMP should first prioritise ABC—sterilisation, vaccination, and legal protection for animals—especially with the rise in gated communities.”
Dr. Manjunath Prasad, BBMP Special Commissioner (Health & Sanitation):
“This is a pilot initiative to understand whether systematic feeding can help reduce stray dog aggression and support sterilisation and vaccination efforts.”
Prabhu, Jayanagar Animal Feeder:
“I’ve been spending from my own pocket to feed over 30 dogs. If the BBMP steps in with a consistent system, it will help—but it can’t stop at feeding.”
Dr. Ananya Rao, Public Health Consultant:
“Feeding can improve behaviour temporarily, but without birth control, it could increase breeding and pack aggression.”
Karti Chidambaram, MP (Congress):
“Feeding stray dogs in public spaces will only increase the problem. The focus should be on shelters and sterilisation, not chicken rice funded by taxpayers.”
