Animal lovers protest against GBA over alleged cruel handling of stray dogs in Bengaluru

Animal welfare groups, schoolchildren and activists staged a protest at Freedom Park, accusing GBA officials of illegally capturing street dogs and keeping them in poor conditions without basic care.

Tensions rose in Bengaluru on Tuesday as animal lovers staged a protest against officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), accusing them of cruelty towards stray dogs and violation of Supreme Court directions. The demonstration is being held at Freedom Park and has drawn participation from schoolchildren, animal welfare activists and several animal lovers.

Protesters alleged that GBA officials are indiscriminately catching street dogs from different localities and confining them in sheds without proper planning. According to animal welfare groups, dogs are being picked up wherever they are found and locked up even before the required shelter facilities are created on the outskirts of the city.

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They pointed out that the Supreme Court had clearly directed authorities to first build proper shelters outside city limits and then relocate dogs in a humane manner. However, activists claim that no such shelters have been constructed so far. Despite this, street dogs are being captured and shifted to godowns and temporary sheds within the city.

Animal lovers alleged that the dogs kept in these facilities are subjected to severe hardship. They claim the animals are being confined in cramped spaces without adequate ventilation or natural light. There are also allegations that dogs are not being provided with proper food or drinking water, amounting to mental and physical torture.

Protesters further claimed that several dogs have sustained injuries during the capture process. According to animal welfare organisations, injured dogs are not being given timely medical treatment, worsening their condition. Activists accused officials of forgetting that dogs are living beings and treating them in an inhumane manner.

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Raising slogans against the authorities, protestors questioned the government’s approach, asking how dogs can be detained without first ensuring proper infrastructure, food, medical care and shelter. They demanded that the government stop the ongoing captures immediately and put systems in place as per law before relocating any animals.

Animal welfare groups warned that such actions are unacceptable and said they would continue to oppose any move that harms stray animals under the guise of regulation.