Chicken rice twice a day for Bengaluru’s stray dogs, this is their meal plan. Bengaluru-News News

Last updated:08 December, 2025, 12:22 IST

The authorities have made a structured plan. Each dog will receive chicken rice twice a day, but distribution will begin only after shelters for stray dogs are built across the city

The story of Bengaluru’s stray dog ​​has always been one of compassion and concern. Each area has its own herd, its own caretakers and its own complaints. Now the Greater Bengaluru Authority has stepped in with a decision that has already created a storm.

There is a plan to feed chicken rice to stray dogs in the city twice every day. For many people, it is an act of care. For others, it is an unnecessary burden on an already weak civil order. Like most debates in Bengaluru, it is filled with emotion, logic, confusion and curiosity all at once.

The move came after lengthy discussions and objections. Some people argued that feeding meat could cause stray dogs to become more aggressive. Others assert that hungry dogs behave worse than full dogs. After considering the arguments the authority has decided to proceed further.

How will the feeding plan work?

The authorities have made a structured plan. Each dog will receive chicken rice twice a day, but distribution will begin only after shelters for stray dogs are built across the city. This is in line with Supreme Court directions that shelters should be created to manage the stray population more responsibly.

However, the cost is the part that is making everyone look twice. The maintenance of each stray dog ​​will cost approximately Rs 3035 every month. The daily expense is Rs 102, divided between the cost of cooking chicken rice and other operating expenses that come with maintaining such a system.

The rising cost of compassion

If the numbers seem overwhelming, that’s because they are. The total estimated monthly expenditure for this initiative is Rs 66.95 lakh. This increases to Rs 8.03 crore in a year. As the stray population increases, these figures will increase further.

A committee has been formed under the leadership of Bengaluru Central Corporation Commissioner Rajendra Cholan to assess the relocation, maintenance and long-term management strategies. The idea is to create a system that is not only compassionate but also sustainable.

What exactly will each dog get?

The authority has also broken down the food down to the last gram, ensuring that it is nutritious and consistent. Here is the ingredient table that has been approved:

The meals are designed to be filling, balanced and suitable for regular feeding.

Where Bengaluru’s vagabonds are concentrated

Initial data collected shows how unevenly spread stray dogs are across the city. Some areas have a heavy burden while others have relatively few dogs. Here’s the corporation-wise count so far:

The northern region clearly has the largest stray population, meaning there will be the greatest demand for food operations and shelter construction.

Locations identified for shelters for stray dogs

The authority has also identified where new dog shelters will be built. These have been planned based on the presence of stray animals near sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, stations and playgrounds.

• Bengaluru Central: Cantonment Super Specialty Hospital Complex
• Bengaluru East: Sadamangala and Varthur
• Bengaluru West: Kottigepalya
• Bengaluru North: Ambedkar Nagar
• Bengaluru South: Bingipura

The idea is to create controlled spaces where feeding, care and monitoring can take place without creating chaos on public roads.

the way forward for the city

Whether this scheme will bring harmony or headache remains to be seen. Some residents welcome the move with relief, believing that dogs who get a good diet are calmer and healthier. Others fear it will attract more distractions or lead to dependency.

But one thing is certain. Bengaluru is attempting a large, structured experiment in urban compassion. Feeding the city’s stray dogs twice a day is no small task. It is a responsibility that will determine how the city balances empathy, security and civil order in the years to come.