Stray dogs relocated from public spaces in Bengaluru will now receive two daily servings of chicken rice, with officials revising care standards following a recent Supreme Court directive requiring the removal of stray animals from sensitive locations. Civic authorities say the upgraded feeding plan aims to ensure humane care as the city prepares for large-scale relocation efforts.
Supreme Court order prompts shelter upgrades
The Supreme Court recently directed authorities nationwide to shift stray dogs away from bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, schools, colleges, hostels, universities, stadiums, training centres and government offices. The court also instructed civic bodies to install fencing where necessary to prevent dog-bite incidents and improve public safety.
In Bengaluru, this mandate has triggered significant operational planning. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has opted to enhance the diet for all relocated dogs, offering two meals daily instead of one. An earlier proposal to provide only a single daily meal was withdrawn after public opposition and welfare concerns.
Revised meal plan and costs
GBA officials finalised a chicken rice recipe that balances nutrition with affordability. Each serving will now contain:
- 150 grams of rice
- 100 grams of chicken
- 100 grams of vegetables
- 10 grams of oil
- 5 grams of salt
- 2.5 grams of turmeric
This totals 367.5 grams before cooking and approximately 600 grams after cooking.
A senior official from the animal husbandry department noted that while rice quantity increased by 50 grams and chicken reduced by 50 grams, rising raw material costs have raised the price of one serving from ₹22.40 to ₹25.
Including staffing, maintenance and operating expenses, the daily cost of feeding and caring for each dog is estimated at ₹102.
Monthly expenditure crosses ₹3,000 per dog
Bengaluru Central City Commissioner Rajendra Cholan said the monthly expenditure per dog at the shelters will be ₹3,035. This includes food, staff salaries, medicines, cleaning materials and administrative overheads. Additionally, a one-time cost of ₹300 per dog will be incurred for catching, transporting and vaccinating the animals.
Over 2,200 stray dogs to be relocated
As per data submitted by government institutions, 2,206 stray dogs currently reside on official premises across Bengaluru. The zonal distribution is as follows:
- 1,623 dogs – North Zone
- 131 dogs – South Zone
- 222 dogs – Central Zone
- 37 dogs – West Zone
- 193 dogs – East Zone
With each dog costing the civic body over ₹3,000 per month, the total monthly expenditure for their care will approach ₹67 lakh, amounting to nearly ₹8 crore annually.
Balancing welfare and public safety
Civic officials say the expanded feeding plan and shelter upgrades aim to ensure that relocation does not compromise animal welfare. At the same time, compliance with the Supreme Court order is expected to reduce risks in crowded public areas, especially in transport hubs, hospitals and educational institutions.
As Bengaluru moves forward with the relocation plan, authorities are working with veterinary teams, animal welfare groups and civic staff to balance humane care with public safety requirements.