Doctor Flags Risks in BBMP’s ₹2.88 Cr Plan to Feed Stray Dogs Across Bengaluru

In a bold move that has sparked both praise and skepticism, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to roll out an ambitious ₹2.88 crore plan aimed at feeding stray dogs across Bengaluru. This initiative, which seeks to provide daily meals of rice, chicken, vegetables, and eggs at 100 designated spots, is receiving critical feedback from unexpected quarters, notably from dermatologist and social media figure known as ‘The Skin Doctor.’

With an impressive following on platforms like YouTube and X, the dermatologist expressed his concerns regarding the long-term implications of the BBMP scheme. While he acknowledges the good intentions behind the measure, he warns of its potential repercussions, questioning: “What could go wrong?”

Raising Concerns on Multiple Fronts

The Skin Doctor elaborates on four primary issues he perceives with the feeding initiative:

• Boosting Survival and Breeding: Providing reliable, nutritious food might enhance the survival rates of stray dogs, inadvertently leading to increased reproduction and exacerbating Bengaluru’s already severe stray dog overpopulation.

• Rising Risks of Bites and Rabies: As the stray dog population burgeons, interactions between dogs and humans are likely to escalate, raising the risks of dog bites and rabies transmission, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods.

• Strengthening Pack Behavior: Daily feeding at fixed locations could encourage stronger territorial instincts among dogs, leading to the formation of packs that might pose threats to pedestrians, cyclists, and vendors in the vicinity.

• Loss of Scavenging Instinct: Regular food handouts may condition stray dogs to rely on human-provided meals instead of scavenging, concentrating them in urban areas and increasing their visibility as a nuisance rather than diminishing their presence.

While emphasizing his compassion for stray animals, The Skin Doctor insists that such initiatives must be complementary to sterilization and vaccination efforts.

BBMP's Perspective: A Public Safety Initiative

With an estimated stray dog population of around 270,000 in Bengaluru, the BBMP intends to cover approximately 4,000 dogs daily through this initiative. Each meal will offer about 600 grams of cooked food, providing essential nutrients targeted at reducing aggression rooted in hunger. BBMP officials characterize the plan as not merely an animal welfare act but a public safety strategy, especially aimed at addressing incidents like last year’s fatal attack in Jalahalli.

According to BBMP, the meals will be prepared and delivered by contractors, who will ensure cleanliness and provide photographic evidence of the feeding through GPS-tagging. The initiative is framed as a means to monitor stray populations more effectively and is part of broader anti-rabies efforts aimed at eliminating rabies by 2030.

Public Reaction: Divided Opinions

Social media has erupted with responses ranging from enthusiastic support to critical satire. Proponents, like ‘Protein’ Prabhu, a local resident who spends his own money feeding strays, hailed the initiative as a “huge relief.” Conversely, others raised concerns over priorities. One resident reflected, “Shouldn’t BBMP focus on sterilizing them first?” echoing sentiments voiced by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, who suggested relocating strays to shelters rather than feeding them on the streets.

Humorous memes about the feeding plan circulated online, with comments about Bengaluru’s stray dogs consuming more protein than some locals.

The Road Ahead: A Plan with a Purpose?

Despite the mixed reviews, BBMP officials remain steadfast, noting that feeding efforts will be concentrated in areas most affected by dog bite incidents.

As community involvement is encouraged, BBMP presents this initiative as a shared responsibility between the government and its citizens. With the intricacies of animal welfare and public safety at stake, one must ponder: Can effective solutions truly harmonize the needs of stray animals while ensuring the safety and comfort of residents?

(Rh/Dr. Divina Johncy Rosario/MSM/SE)