Activists flag crowding, conflict risks at upcoming shelter for 500 canines in Bengaluru

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 raised during a visit to the under-construction shelter at Medi Agrahara 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.

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 channelled through drains running along these sections. As underground sewerage lines have not yet been laid, officials said 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 20-25 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. They also 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.

“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,” said Girish Anjenappa of Animal Rights Fund, which operates a shelter housing more than 900 dogs at Bidadi. “Dogs are highly territorial. Their behaviour and compatibility must be assessed before housing them together. The authorities have not adequately considered these aspects,” he said.

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.

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). “Layouts for shelters with a capacity of 100 dogs provide for a 200 sqft exercise yard, but similar provisions are absent in the designs for 500 and 1,000-dog shelters,” she said, adding that having only two narrow entry or exit points can be lethal in case of fire accidents.

BNCC chief veterinary officer, Dr HK Gangadharaiah, said the shelter had been designed in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the AWBI.

“We are open to suggestions and feedback, provided they are submitted through the proper channel,” he said, adding that officials were working to develop shelters in a scientific and humane manner despite multiple responsibilities.

Friday, the shelter was showcased to a team of officials from Davangere as a model facility for future dog shelter projects.