Chicken Rice For Stray Dogs? Bengaluru Civic Authority's First-of-Its-Kind Plan Draws Mixed Reactions

Bengaluru's BBMP launched "Kukkir Tihar," a Rs 2.88 crore program to feed 5,000 stray dogs daily with chicken and rice, aiming to reduce aggression.

While welcomed, some activists urge prioritising core animal welfare duties and responsible spending over symbolic gestures.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched a large-scale feeding programme aimed at addressing stray dog aggression and improving public safety. Under the initiative, dubbed Kukkir Tihar, over 5,000 stray dogs across Bengaluru will be served a daily 367-gram meal of cooked chicken and rice, with each portion costing Rs 22. The year-long effort is expected to cost the civic body approximately Rs 2.88 crore and includes a provision for public participation through voluntary contributions.

4,000 Dogs To Get Chicken Rice 

According to BBMP’s tender documents, meals—providing roughly 750 calories per dog—will be served daily at around 11 AM at designated feeding points across the city’s various zones, with about 440 dogs being covered per zone. Another document outlines a slightly different plan: feeding 4,000 dogs a larger 600-gram portion of rice, chicken, vegetables, oil, salt and turmeric. BBMP officials said that the variation reflects logistical adjustments across zones and available food resources.

Beyond feeding, BBMP is also piloting the use of grain-sized microchips in stray dogs to digitally track sterilisation, vaccination, and roaming patterns. Officials believe the data-driven monitoring will help better manage the stray population and reduce incidents of dog aggression.

'Ensure Responsible Use Of Public Funds': Animal Welfare Activist

However, the move has sparked a wave of debate. Animal welfare activist Priya Chetty Rajagopal welcomed the idea of structured care but warned against “token gestures.” 

“BBMP plays two critical roles, animal birth control and vaccination. They are also responsible for the health, shelter, and rescue of these animals. There is a need for a well-regulated, humane, and scientifically guided feeding program for strays. Civic authorities must prioritise genuine animal welfare over token gestures and ensure responsible use of public funds, especially in areas lacking basic amenities,” she said, as per a report on ANI.