Greater Bengaluru Authority claims stray dog adoptions on rise after its welfare drive

Bengaluru: With intensified welfare initiatives for stray dogs, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) hopes to push up adoption of stray canines in the city. Under a structured adoption programme implemented in coordination with the city's municipal corporations, several stray dogs found permanent homes in recent weeks, they say. Twenty street dogs in the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru North city municipal corporation were formally adopted by a resident, Sujaya Jagadish, the officials said, quoting a recent example.According to the officials, such adoptions are increasing across the city, reflecting growing public awareness about responsible pet ownership and humane population control.
The adoption drive is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Before being handed over, every dog undergoes mandatory sterilisation under the ABC programme, anti-rabies vaccination (ARV), administration of combined vaccines, health screening, and tagging for identification."This is not just an adoption drive; it is part of a scientific and humane urban animal management strategy. Every dog given for adoption is sterilised, vaccinated, medically examined, and tagged. Our goal is to ensure public safety, prevent uncontrolled breeding, and promote animal welfare in a sustainable manner," a senior GBA's animal husbandry official said.He added community participation is crucial to the long-term success of the initiative. "When citizens adopt Indian street dogs, they are contributing directly to population control humanely and reducing street conflicts. Adoption is a responsible civic action that benefits both animals and neighbourhoods," he noted.Officials present during the handover included the chief veterinary officer and staff of the animal husbandry department. Authorities confirmed that follow-up monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure adopted dogs receive proper food, shelter, and medical care.The GBA indicated that adoption camps and ABC-ARV vaccination drives will continue across Bengaluru in the coming months. Interested citizens can approach their respective municipal animal husbandry departments to register for adoption.