Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to control its growing stray dog population have come under renewed scrutiny after Karnataka authorities questioned the effectiveness of the city’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme despite years of large-scale sterilisation efforts.
During a recent review meeting, Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda expressed concern that significant public funds and extensive sterilisation campaigns have not delivered the expected reduction in stray dog numbers or dog bite incidents across the city.
The review has prompted the state government to push for a more aggressive and accountable strategy aimed at improving public safety while maintaining humane animal welfare practices.
Nearly 8.8 Lakh Dogs Sterilised Over Four Years
According to officials, Bengaluru has sterilised approximately 8.8 lakh stray dogs under its Animal Birth Control programme during the past four years.
The government has reportedly spent nearly ₹42 crore on sterilisation, vaccination, and related animal welfare initiatives over this period. However, despite the large investment, authorities believe the visible impact on the city’s stray dog population has remained limited.
Officials noted that the continuing rise in dog bite cases has raised fresh concerns about whether the existing programme is delivering its intended outcomes.
Government Calls for Stronger Action Plan
Following the review, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening Bengaluru’s stray dog management system.
One of the key proposals includes doubling the city’s annual sterilisation capacity from 45,000 dogs to 90,000 dogs. Authorities believe increasing the number of sterilisation procedures each year will help improve long-term population control.
The minister also called for better coordination among civic agencies, faster implementation of animal welfare programmes, and stricter monitoring of results.
Focus on Better Infrastructure and Accountability
Along with expanding sterilisation efforts, the government is planning to strengthen the overall veterinary ecosystem supporting the programme.
Officials have proposed recruiting more veterinarians, appointing additional implementing agencies, and improving operational oversight to ensure Animal Birth Control programmes are carried out more efficiently.
The review also emphasised the need for stronger accountability, with departments expected to regularly evaluate programme outcomes and ensure public funds are being used effectively.
Balancing Public Safety and Animal Welfare
The renewed review comes as Bengaluru continues to witness concerns over increasing stray dog-related incidents in several neighbourhoods.
Authorities maintain that humane sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination, and scientific population management remain the foundation of India’s Animal Birth Control policy. However, officials believe these measures must now be supported by stronger planning, better infrastructure, and measurable performance indicators.
Animal welfare experts have consistently stressed that long-term success depends on sustained sterilisation coverage, proper waste management, community participation, and responsible implementation rather than isolated campaigns.
A Critical Phase for Bengaluru’s Animal Management Strategy
With the government seeking faster and more visible outcomes, Bengaluru’s Animal Birth Control programme is entering a crucial phase.
The proposed expansion of sterilisation capacity, combined with increased accountability and improved veterinary resources, could reshape how India’s technology capital manages its stray dog population in the years ahead.
If implemented effectively, the revised strategy may serve as a reference for other Indian cities facing similar challenges of balancing public safety with compassionate animal welfare.
This report has been independently researched, verified, and published by the Pets News Network (PNN) Editorial Team. Pets News Network (PNN) is India’s first dedicated OTT and digital news platform focused exclusively on the pet industry. Our editorial team gathers information from official announcements, government agencies, veterinary experts, industry reports, company releases, and other trusted public sources to deliver accurate, unbiased, and reader-friendly pet news.
Published: July 2026
