Bengaluru: In a heart-touching display of community spirit, over 240 dedicated volunteers have stepped forward to support the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in its innovative initiative to feed stray dogs. Officially launched today as part of the “Festival of Dogs,” this program aims to tackle the increasing stray dog population in the city while also working to decrease the number of dog-bite incidents.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the BBMP, animal activists, sanitation workers, and local restaurant owners. The primary objective is to ensure that stray dogs receive regular meals, which is expected to mitigate food-related aggression among them. The pilot phase of the program will begin in areas like Manjunathnagar, Bagalagunte, and Pottery Town by December, with meals sourced from leftover food donated by restaurants, Indira Canteens, and other contributors.
Special trainings to sanitation workers
Registered volunteers will work alongside sanitation workers to establish safe feeding locations and set feeding schedules, effectively preventing large gatherings of dogs that could lead to aggressive behavior. Additionally, sanitation workers will undergo specialised training and receive safety equipment to assist them in their new roles as caretakers for the strays.
‘Festival of Dogs’ in Bengaluru today
In conjunction with this initiative, the BBMP is also set to celebrate Kukur Tihar, or the “Festival of Dogs,” today in Bengaluru. This traditional festival, which originates from Nepal, pays tribute to dogs, honoring their invaluable contributions to society and the ecosystem.
As part of the celebrations, the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department will unveil several programs under the #BITEFREELOCALITY campaign. These initiatives aim to create “coexistence champions” within the community who will advocate for compassionate animal care. The programs will address critical issues such as animal birth control, vaccinations, and public education on animal behavior and the essential role dogs play in our environment.
With these efforts, Bengaluru is not only taking a significant step towards addressing the stray dog issue but is also fostering a more compassionate relationship between the city’s residents and their canine counterparts.
