Victoria Hospital, one of India’s oldest and largest healthcare facilities, is grappling with safety issues due to the presence of stray dogs and monkeys on its premises. Dr. BR Mukkuppi, vice-president of the Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors, reported an incident where a monkey snatched a resident doctor’s mobile phone while it was charging by a window, highlighting the disturbances caused by these animals.
Additionally, residents have encountered stray dogs near hospital entrances late at night, raising safety concerns for healthcare workers who often work late shifts. Stray dogs, in particular, pose risks not only to themselves—by chasing vehicles in an attempt to protect their puppies—but also to riders and pedestrians.
Approximately 25 stray dogs are currently roaming the hospital campus, which has implications for the health and safety of both patients and staff. The intrusion of these animals compromises the sterile environment essential for healthcare facilities.
In July, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory to hospitals in Delhi, recommending that health facilities keep their premises free from stray dogs to mitigate the risk of rabies and dog bites. This guideline is equally relevant to Bengaluru, yet measures to manage the stray dog population at Victoria Hospital appear to be lacking.
Animal rights activists argue for a balanced approach that ensures public safety while also considering the welfare of the animals. Dr. MK Sudarshan, founder-president of the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI), suggested that trained dog feeders be introduced with designated feeding areas to help minimize aggression among the strays.
Dr. Deepak S, medical superintendent and professor of orthopaedics at Victoria Hospital, emphasized that stray animals can carry diseases and cause anxiety among patients and staff, thereby disrupting the healthcare environment. He advocates for strict control measures to prevent strays from entering sensitive patient-care areas.
Sadhana Hegde, an animal rights advocate, noted that many of the dogs are surviving on food scraps and urged authorities to regulate feeding practices on hospital grounds to manage the stray population effectively.
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