In response to mounting public concern over stray dog attacks and the growing canine population, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has initiated a large-scale sterilisation and vaccination driv across all its zonal corporations. The move follows the Supreme Court’s recent directives on street dog management and animal welfare.
The campaign focuses on strengthening Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes while ensuring the humane treatment and relocation of stray dogs from sensitive public spaces such as schools, hospitals, bus stations and playgrounds.
Supreme Court’s directives prompt citywide action
The initiative was launched after the apex court instructed civic bodies nationwide to remove stray dogs from areas of public congregation and relocate them to designated shelters. Reviewing the city’s progress on Tuesday, Bengaluru West City Corporation Commissioner KV Rajendra directed officials to scale up the sterilisation programme in accordance with Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) guidelines.
He emphasised the need to accelerate sterilisation drives, clear pending agency payments, and streamline tender processes to attract more service providers. Rajendra also encouraged promoting adoption of long-term sheltered dogs and creating designated community feeding zones for stray animals.
Over 63,000 strays in Bengaluru West alone
According to Dr Venkatesh, Chief Veterinary Officer of Bengaluru West Zone, the region has approximately 63,340 community dogs and currently operates two ABC–ARV centres, each accommodating 171 dogs.
“So far, 4,068 dogs have been sterilised and 27,581 vaccinated against rabies and other diseases,” Dr Venkatesh said, assuring that there is an adequate stock of anti-rabies vaccines for public use. Similar operations are underway in the South and Central zones of the city.
Mapping and relocation in high-density areas
Bengaluru South City Commissioner KN Ramesh said that civic teams have begun mapping stray-dense areas such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, and sports grounds. “These dogs will be picked up, vaccinated, sterilised, and housed in designated shelters in line with the Supreme Court’s order,” he stated.
Similarly, Central Zone Commissioner Rajendra Cholan has instructed officials to enumerate stray dogs, identify sterilisation centres, and coordinate with NGOs for post-operative care and shelter management.
Joint teams comprising NGO workers and civic staff from health, veterinary, and engineering departments are implementing the drive in a time-bound manner.
Ensuring safety and compassion
The intensified campaign comes after several incidents of stray dog attacks across Bengaluru, including two bite cases reported last week and the death of a senior citizen a few months ago. Officials said that while the focus is on public safety, the programme will remain firmly rooted in animal welfare principles.
“Public cooperation is essential,” said a senior civic officer. “This is not just about controlling numbers, but about building a safer and more compassionate city for both people and animal