Bengaluru: Activists have raised concerns over the design and management plan of a stray dog shelter being constructed to house around 500 animals in north Bengaluru, warning that overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of stakeholder oversight could compromise animal welfare. The concerns were brought to light during a visit to the under-construction shelter at Medi Agrahara on Friday. Volunteers and animal rights groups questioned whether the facility could safely accommodate such a large number of dogs, citing issues related to ventilation, drainage, enclosure design, and the lack of consultation with animal welfare stakeholders.
Shelter Design and Infrastructure
The shelter, being developed by the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC), consists of concrete outer walls and three longitudinal sections that remain open to the air. Wastewater generated from cleaning kennels will be channeled through drains running along these sections. As underground sewerage lines have not yet been laid, officials stated that the wastewater would temporarily be diverted to sewage pits. The facility is planned to have 24 enclosures separated by chain-link fencing, with each enclosure expected to house 20 to 25 dogs. Portions of the enclosures will be covered by sheet roofs, allowing animals access to both shaded and open areas. However, activists argued that the design leaves much of the space exposed to rain, which could lead to health issues for the dogs.
Concerns Over Overcrowding and Territorial Behavior
Activists expressed concern over the plans to house large packs of unfamiliar dogs together, warning that such arrangements could lead to territorial fights, injuries, and stress. Girish Anjenappa of Animal Rights Fund, which operates a shelter housing more than 900 dogs at Bidadi, highlighted the importance of assessing dog behavior and compatibility before housing them together. He stated, "In our shelter, food is placed in designated circles at least three feet apart, and there is enough room for dogs to move away if conflicts arise. Dogs are highly territorial. Their behavior and compatibility must be assessed before housing them together. The authorities have not adequately considered these aspects."
Lack of Consultation and Compliance Issues
Sujaya Jagadish of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) alleged that civic authorities had failed to consult animal rights volunteers or SPCA representatives while planning the facility. She pointed out that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 require a monitoring committee, which has not been established. Animal welfare activist Lina S also flagged inconsistencies in the standard operating procedures for shelters laid down by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). She noted, "Layouts for shelters with a capacity of 100 dogs provide for a 200 square feet exercise yard, but similar provisions are absent in the designs for 500 and 1,000-dog shelters." Additionally, she warned that having only two narrow entry or exit points can be lethal in case of fire accidents.
Official Response
BNCC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. H. K. Gangadharaiah stated that the shelter had been designed in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the AWBI. He said, "We are open to suggestions and feedback, provided they are submitted through the proper channel." He added that officials were working to develop shelters in a scientific and humane manner despite multiple responsibilities. On Friday, the shelter was showcased to a team of officials from Davangere as a model facility for future dog shelter projects.
