Prepare an action plan to complete 100% ABC program for stray dogs in three years: Krishna Byre Gowda

Bengaluru continues to face the challenge of stray dogs, despite implementing an animal birth control program for more than two decades, says minister. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed Animal Husbandry Department (GBA) officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority to prepare a comprehensive action plan in the next three years to complete the 100% Animal Birth Control (ABC) program for stray dogs.

Mr Gowda said: “Currently ABC operation is being done on about 45,000 stray dogs every year. This target needs to be doubled and 90,000 dogs need to be targeted under the program in the next three years.”

To achieve this, expand infrastructure, involve more implementing agencies, appoint more veterinarians on contract and encourage participation of experienced organizations from across Karnataka and the country, he said.

The minister said that despite more than two decades of ABC implementation and an expenditure of nearly ₹ 42 crore in the last five years, Bengaluru continues to face a serious challenge of stray dogs. Approximately 8,800 dogs have been sterilized since 2007, but the population remains significant.

He also pulled an official from the ministry for failing to submit figures on spending on the ABC program for five years. “There are 19 officers in the animal husbandry department and they could not bring the ABC program data to the meeting. You (the officer) will be dismissed from service immediately,” the minister said.

A bare tree stands on the roadside in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Give preference to old trees and branches

The minister directed officials from five corporations to immediately respond to city residents’ complaints about dry branches and old trees. He said: “Whenever you receive complaints about dry branches and old trees that can fall at any time, respond to them immediately. If you can respond to complaints made by commercial establishments, why not residents?”

He appealed to the people to file complaints on the GBA Sahaaya portal instead of filing them in written form on plain paper. “Filing complaints on the portal will help officials and residents to keep track of these complaints which can be resolved in time,” he added.

Recently, a 52-year-old man was seriously injured and fell into a coma when a dry tree branch fell on his head while riding a motorcycle in Rajajinagar. A similar incident was reported in Hanumanth Nagar last year when a 29-year-old man fell into a coma after a tree branch fell on his head.

This year, 64,130 trees will be planted

Meanwhile, Mr. Gowda has set a target of planting 64,130 plant saplings in the current financial year. He directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive plan by actively involving the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) and citizens in maintaining the saplings.

“If the RWAs apply for the required saplings, arrangements must be made to supply and plant them. Assistant Engineers will be appointed as nodal officers to supervise the work. There are records that about 20,000,000 saplings have been planted since 2008. However, according to the tree census, 85% of the survey has been completed and only about 11 remaining trees are not available. For planting seedlings, full accountability and record keeping should be maintained,” he said.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 20:06 IST