A New Dawn for Bengaluru's Stray Dogs: BBMP's Pet-Friendly Initiative is a Win for All
In a heartening move that marks a major step forward in animal welfare, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched a compassionate and practical scheme to feed thousands of stray dogs across the city. Branded ‘Kukkir Tihar’, this first-of-its-kind pilot program is not only a gesture of kindness but also a science-backed strategy to ensure public safety, support rabies control, and uplift the health of Bengaluru’s stray dogs.
With an estimated 2.79 lakh stray dogs in the city, BBMP plans to serve nutritious meals to 4,000 to 5,000 dogs every day across all eight zones. That’s approximately 440 dogs per zone receiving warm, wholesome food daily. The feeding will take place at 100-125 designated points in each zone, and the meals will be delivered before 11 a.m.
Each meal is thoughtfully designed, offering between 465 and 750 kilocalories, depending on the dog’s needs. The menu? A warm serving of chicken (150g), rice (100g), vegetables (100g), 10g of oil, and a pinch of salt and turmeric — all prepared in FSSAI-registered centralized kitchens under CCTV surveillance. This initiative is expected to cost the civic body Rs 2.8 to 2.9 crore annually and is part of BBMP’s larger ‘One Health’ program that includes vaccination and Animal Birth Control (ABC) efforts.
More than just food, this initiative is about nurturing a healthier, safer, and more compassionate city. Regular feeding is expected to reduce aggression in street dogs that stems from hunger and competition for food. Fewer fights and lower stress mean fewer bite incidents — which currently range between 500 and 1,500 cases per month — and better cooperation during sterilization and vaccination drives. Ultimately, this strengthens Bengaluru’s goal to eliminate rabies by 2030.
While the program has faced some criticism regarding cost, BBMP officials have rightly emphasized the long-term public health benefits. By creating fixed feeding points, the civic body can better track, vaccinate, and sterilize the dogs — essential steps toward rabies control and humane population management.
Social media also lit up with praise. Karnataka Congress General Secretary Lavanya Ballal Jain encouraged people to take the next step: “Adopt an indie.” She highlighted how resilient and loving Indian street dogs are, and how every dog deserves not just food but a forever home. Her post reminded us that community kindness can start on the streets, but it shouldn’t end there.
The launch of ‘Kukkir Tihar’ is a proud, pet-positive moment for Bengaluru. It reflects a forward-thinking mindset — one that values coexistence, public health, and the silent loyalty of our four-legged friends. Let’s hope more cities follow Bengaluru’s lead and make room in their hearts (and budgets!) for their community animals.
Because every dog — whether pampered or stray — deserves a full stomach, a gentle hand, and a place to belong.