BBMP’s plan of designated stray dog-feeding areas faces resistance

Bengaluru: BBMP's initiative to establish designated feeding areas for stray dogs has encountered significant resistance from resident welfare associations (RWAs) and others. Despite an MoU signed in May between BBMP and two animal welfare trusts to identify feeding spots across the city, the implementation has been stalled due to lack of community support.
A senior BBMP animal husbandry official said the fear of stray dogs is a key factor driving the resistance. A growing issue is the conflict between RWAs and feeders over the location of these feeding areas. "Certain feeders want to feed dogs in spots deemed unacceptable by RWAs, leading to disputes," the official added.
One such incident occurred near Sarakki Lake, where an RWA recommended feeding stray dogs near the waterbody, but a senior citizen preferred to feed them outside her home. This caused friction with other residents, who claimed the dogs became aggressive and obstructed traffic.
Raghavendra Rao, a representative of the Hennur RWA, said: "The concept of designated feeding areas may work in other countries, but it doesn't suit Bengaluru's densely populated residential areas. In Hennur, where many senior citizens live, marking a feeding spot on a narrow lane creates safety challenges."
Subadhra Jayaram, a resident of Yediyur, echoed similar frustrations, explaining how daily disagreements between feeders and residents lead to repeated complaints. "BBMP attempts to mediate, but the issue persists," she said.
BBMP's plan, which initially estimated around 20,000 feeders, has seen only 376 registered feeders so far, with many dropping out. "Feeders often start, but later abandon the responsibility, leading to increased aggression among the strays," said Suralkar Vikas Kishore, special commissioner of health and animal husbandry, BBMP.
Kishore explained that irregular feeding schedules and inappropriate food such as sugary items, contribute to behavioural problems in stray dogs.
"To prevent such issues, residents and feeders must collaborate and agree on a structured feeding approach. Relocating the dogs is not a viable solution," he emphasised.