In a first in Karnataka, BBMP to establish animal rescue centres in Bengaluru

In the absence of such centres, the BBMP has been assigning injured or abandoned dogs, including strays, to not-for-profit organisations involved in rescue.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will soon be opening small animal rescue centres in three zones in the city to rescue and treat canines and cats. If all goes as planned, BBMP will become the first civic body in Karnataka to establish an infirmary for animals. The initiative is part of the civic body’s animal welfare programme.

In the absence of such centres, the BBMP has been assigning injured or abandoned dogs, including strays, to not-for-profit organisations involved in rescue. In order to carry out this exercise independently, the BBMP will be kick-starting these centres. The centres will be coming in Dasarahalli, East and South zones of the BBMP. 

According to BBMP Special Commissioner (Health) Suralkar Vikas Kishor, the BBMP has already issued the work order in Dasarahalli zone. Tenders have been invited for centres in East and South zones. In a span of three months, all the centres will be operational. The centres are coming up in existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres.

Mr. Kishor further said dedicated space will be opened at the ABC centres to accommodate at least 20 canines and cats. At every centre, staff will be deployed to treat injured animals.

“As we currently do not have this facility, as soon as we receive a call on the helpline (1533) to rescue dogs, the team picks up the animal and hands it over it to private rescue centres. After treatment, the NGO will intimate the same, and the stray will be dropped back to its place,” he said. 

The BBMP will also treat abandoned pets, and will coordinate with the NGOs for adoption. He clarified that these are rescue centres for small animals, and not for cattle and wild animals. 

Arun Prasad, an animal activist who has been working with the BBMP for implementation of this programme, said this was long pending. Mr. Prasad said Section 59 (11) of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act 1976 mandates civic bodies to set up rescue centres. The centres should have inpatient facilities. “It took 48 years for the BBMP to think of establishing a centre after the enactment of the law,” he said.