Bengaluru, July 11, 2025: In an unprecedented move, the Karnataka government, via the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has initiated a daily feeding program aimed at improving the welfare of stray dogs. With a budget allocation of nearly ₹2.9 crore, the scheme provides each stray dog 150 g of chicken and 100 g of rice per day, approximately ₹22 per dog annually.
The government hopes that well-fed dogs will exhibit less aggression, reducing bites and fostering harmony between residents and animals . Feeding sites are being equipped with clean infrastructure, and the program encourages community participation.
Total budget: ₹2.9 crore to feed around 5,000 stray dogs.
Per-dog cost: ₹22 daily for hearty chicken-and-rice meals
In contrast, the midday meal program for school children costs approximately ₹12.42 per child, sparking criticism about priorities
Animal welfare advocates say the plan is humane and likely to reduce stray dog bites
Critics, however, argue the funds would be better invested in infrastructure and civic issues, with major complaints about repairing potholes
Some residents have even humorously urged for doggie “desserts” in their meals
Monitoring program: BBMP will ensure cleanliness at feeding sites, track public safety, and assess dog behavior post-implementation
Scale-up plans: Based on pilot results, authorities may expand the initiative and consider microchipping and sterilizing strays, as outlined in a larger ₹60 crore street dog budget
While the stray dog feeding program signals a progressive shift in urban animal welfare policy, it has ignited a heated public debate about fund allocation and civic priorities. Whether it calms canine aggression or intensifies concerns about misplaced spending will depend on how transparently and efficiently the scheme is executed.
