Palike & Hosa Road residents lock horns over stray dogs

Bengaluru: Tensions have erupted between BBMP and residents of the housing society, Mahaveer Ranches on Hosa Road, near Electronics City, over a growing stray dog crisis, leading the corporation to take legal action against the community.
On June 15, BBMP filed a police complaint against 15 residents of Mahaveer Ranches, accusing them of abusing officials and creating a chaotic scene.
A senior BBMP animal husbandry official recounted the turmoil: “Some residents called our office, complaining about a stray dog menace threatening children and senior citizens. Upon inspection, we found 6-7 strays roaming in the community park. Some residents claimed the dogs were starving and biting out of hunger, so we suggested creating a designated feeding area within the community and assured them of neutering the dogs, according to the animal birth control programme. However, things spiraled out of control, when they started shouting and screaming at us.”
BBMP officials said they tried to calm them, but the situation only worsened. “They hurled cuss words at us and demanded we leave. The hostility was palpable, and the scene turned chaotic,” said an officer.
Suralkar Vikas Kishore, special commissioner, health, family welfare and animal husbandry, told STOI: "I understand the resident's plight, however, under Section 11(1)(i) and 11(1)(j) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, it is illegal to relocate animals. Raising a voice at officials and misbehaving is not a solution. We should all work together to ensure this problem is resolved."
Residents, however, tell a different story. A resident said, “More than 800 families live here, and over 600 are plagued by dog menace. More than 90% of us have been bitten, scratched, or intimidated by these ferocious canines. Just five days ago, my two-year-old daughter was chased by a stray. Fortunately, I was there to save her. We only asked BBMP not to set up a designated feeding area here because it would add to the chaos. We never spoke rudely.”
Another resident, Aishwarya (name changed), echoed the residents’ concerns, saying, “We’re already upset about the dog menace. When BBMP suggested a feeding area, it only added to our frustration. But no one here intended to hurt BBMP officials.”
She added, “If the officials don’t help us, where else can we turn? We wanted them to relocate the dogs, but now, we understand the rules. Setting up a feeding area within the community is not acceptable; maybe another solution would be better.”
The residents maintain that though they spoke to BBMP officials in an agitated manner, they never resorted to cussing.
As the clash between BBMP and the Mahaveer Ranches residents escalates, the community is left grappling with fear and uncertainty, while the stray dogs continue to roam their streets.
DCP CK Baba said, “We have registered a case and the investigation is on.”