BBMP to expand kennel capacity for enhanced ABC

Bengaluru: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to increase the number of kennels across the city to improve Animal Birth Control (ABC) treatments on stray dogs. The move comes as part of a larger effort to address the growing stray dog population and ensure humane treatment of animals during the ABC process.
Bengaluru currently has 424 kennels that can accommodate one dog each, eight kennels that can house 10 to 15 dogs, and four isolation kennels designated for rabid dogs.
Vikas Kishore Suralkar, BBMP special commissioner (health), revealed that an additional 150 kennels would be introduced in the city. As per guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India, each dog undergoing ABC treatment requires a minimum space of 3x4 feet. ABC typically begins with the dog being picked up from the streets, followed by a day of observation. The dog then undergoes sterilisation surgery and receives rest for 3-5 days before being released back into its territory.
With the increased kennel capacity, BBMP estimates it can perform five treatment cycles a month, targeting around 750 dogs. This expansion is projected to help sterilise approximately 10,000 stray dogs annually, significantly reducing the stray dog population and associated issues in the city.