MLC Bhojegowda Admits Ordering Mass Stray Dog Poisoning in Chikkamagaluru
JDS legislator reveals 2,800 stray dogs were killed in 1996 over rising dog bite cases; calls for Supreme Court intervention
Janata Dal Secular (JDS) MLC S.L. Bhojegowda on Tuesday disclosed in the Legislative Council that he had ordered the mass killing of around 2,800 stray dogs in Chikkamagaluru through poisoning in 1996, during his tenure as President of the Chikkamagaluru City Municipal Council (CMC).
Speaking in the Council, Bhojegowda said the dogs were poisoned using meat and the carcasses buried in a coconut plantation. He cited concerns over leopards entering Chikkamagaluru town in search of stray dogs and emphasized that stray dog bites, especially to children, remain a serious problem. He suggested that the State Government approach the Supreme Court on the issue, allowing the court to decide on effective measures.
Addressing concerns about potential repercussions for his disclosure, Bhojegowda said, “I am ready to face the consequences for the sake of children. Let’s see what happens now.”
A former CMC councillor confirmed to Deccan Chronicle that the mass poisoning was carried out by CMC staff with support from a non-governmental organization. The councillor added that the action was taken in response to a rise in dog bite cases in Chikkamagaluru, and similar measures had been implemented in other districts in Karnataka facing high incidences of dog attacks at the time.