Animal welfare groups condemn remarks in Karnataka Legislative Council; Minister cites government helplessness
Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) MLC S.L. Bhojegowda has come under intense criticism from animal welfare associations and the public after admitting in the Karnataka Legislative Council that he killed 2,800 stray dogs during his tenure as president of Chikkamagaluru City Council.
During a discussion on the stray dog menace on Wednesday, Bhojegowda stated, "We killed 2,800 stray dogs by drugging them with meat and buried them at the foot of a coconut tree." He, however, did not specify when this incident occurred.
Supreme Court Slams Delhi-NCR Authorities Over Stray Dog Menace, Refuses to Stay Relocation Order
Animal Welfare Outrage
The statement has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who termed the act as inhumane and illegal. Responding to Bhojegowda’s remarks, Karnataka’s Municipal Administration and Hajj Minister Rahim Khan said the government was “helpless” in completely resolving the stray dog crisis.
‘Let Them Keep 10 Dogs at Home’ Remark Draws Flak
When the Minister mentioned the role of animal welfare organisations, Bhojegowda countered, "Ten dogs should be left at the homes of each animal welfare organisation so they understand the reality. We see dog bite cases every day, with victims hospitalised. If they oppose removing stray dogs, they should experience the issue firsthand."
His comments came in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s recent directive to Delhi-NCR civic bodies to capture stray dogs and shift them permanently to shelters.
Stray Dog Attacks in Karnataka on the Rise
Between January and August 2025, Karnataka reported 2.86 lakh dog bite cases and 26 suspected rabies deaths. In just one week, from August 4 to 10, 5,652 dog bite cases were reported, though no rabies-related fatalities occurred.
Recently, two college students, Sujanya G J from Haveri and Rega Nikshita from Telangana, were attacked by a pack of stray dogs at the Bangalore University campus near Kengeri. They were admitted to hospital and are now stable, according to BBMP Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore, who added that a detailed report is awaited.
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