Cash-strapped BBMP unable to conduct dog census this year

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is unable to conduct the dog census due to shortage of funds. The last dog census was carried out in June – July 2007 to ascertain the number of stray dogs and pets in Palike limits.

T Shivarama Bhat, Joint Director (Animal Husbandry), said: “We have not estimated the dog population since 2007. Census involves huge expenditure and it is difficult to conduct a census due to the financial crisis the civic agency is facing. Also, there are rules and regulations to be followed to take up the task. Till date, the dog census has been conducted only once.” He pointed out that the Palike was also struggling to make payments to non-government organisations such as CUPA, Sarvodaya Sevabhavi Samstha among others who implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes.

“If the next elected body comes to power following BBMP elections, it could take a decision on census. However, presently, census is not our priority as ABC programmes are more important. It is left to BBMP higher authorities to take a call on this,” Bhat added. 

According sources in the Palike, a total of Rs five crore was earmarked under the BBMP budget last year for holding ABC programmes and other related works. However, only Rs two crore was spent on the programmes.

“The BBMP struggled to release Rs two crore last week. Some pending bills were cleared but not completely. We are yet to get bills cleared from the last eight months,” said Vinay Moray from Sarvodaya Sevabhavi Samstha.

Meanwhile, residents have complained that stray dog menace has increased and Palike officials were not attending to such issues. “There are lot of unsterilised street dogs in Rajarajeshwarinagar near Crazy Park,” a resident said.