Bengaluru: BBMP North zone begins drive to manage stray dogs

Bengaluru's North Corporation has swung into action on the city's persistent stray dog issue, launching an institutional drive after a survey identified more than 900 dogs in the zone. The exercise, which officials describe as a structured approach, marks a shift from ad-hoc measures to a more organised system of canine management.

Survey paves way for action

The identification of over 900 dogs came as part of a preliminary enumeration exercise. While the exact methodology has not been detailed, officials said the count provides a baseline to plan sterilisation, vaccination, and rehoming efforts. The number, they added, is not final and could rise as the drive progresses.

The move follows repeated complaints from residents about dog bites and the growing population of strays in several neighbourhoods under the North Corporation's jurisdiction. Local activists have long demanded a humane and systematic solution rather than sporadic culling.

What the drive entails

The institutional drive is expected to involve multiple steps, including tagging of identified dogs, sterilisation camps, and anti-rabies vaccination drives. The exact timeline and budget, however, have not been made public yet. A senior official said the focus is on creating a sustainable model that can be replicated in other zones.

Corporation authorities are also coordinating with animal welfare groups and local veterinary hospitals to ensure the drive follows legal guidelines, including the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. The success of the programme, experts say, hinges on consistent follow-up and community participation.

Residents and activists react

Residents in areas like Yeshwanthpur and Rajajinagar, where dog sightings are frequent, have welcomed the move but want more clarity on execution. “We see dogs everywhere, but nobody knows how many there actually are. This count is a good first step,” said a local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Animal rights groups have urged the corporation to ensure that the drive remains non-lethal and that sterilised dogs are returned to their original territories, as mandated by law. Some have also raised concerns about the capacity of existing shelters and the availability of trained personnel.

A model for other zones?

This is among the first such institutional drives in Bengaluru, where stray dog management has often been reactive. If the North zone's pilot succeeds, it could provide a template for the city's other three corporations—South, East, and West. Officials, however, stopped short of announcing any expansion plans.

The drive's progress is being tracked by senior officials, and a detailed report is expected in the coming weeks. The corporation has not yet disclosed how often the dog population will be reassessed or whether a similar enumeration will be conducted in other zones.

What to watch next

As the drive unfolds, the key test will be whether the corporation can keep up with sterilisation targets and maintain meticulous records of every dog handled. For now, residents and activists are watching closely to see if this institutional approach translates into fewer bites and a healthier canine population on Bengaluru's streets.