NGO rescues 14 illegally relocated puppies in Chikkaballapur

Allegations against educational institutions over the illegal relocation of dogs from their campuses in Bengaluru and surrounding districts have increased over the past month, even as the Supreme Court has laid down detailed procedures for relocation.

While several NGOs have taken to social media to raise awareness about the growing problem, others are working on the ground to curb illegal relocation. Many NGOs are relying on videos posted by citizens and are reaching out to educational institutions with evidence to hold them accountable.

In a recent incident, a polytechnic college in Chikkaballapur has been accused of abandoning 15 puppies belonging to three dogs. On January 5, a collective of NGOs claimed to have rescued 13 puppies, near Nandi Hills, that were allegedly abandoned by the polytechnic college.

In a video reviewed by The Hindu, a security guard, a driver, and a helper are seen arriving in a van belonging to the college and abandoning the puppies. According to the volunteers who rescued them, one of the 15 puppies was run over by a vehicle, and another was injured and is currently being treated. The remaining 13 puppies have been reunited with their mothers.

The collective has taken an undertaking from the college that it will not relocate dogs again. “We did not initiate any legal proceedings, as the college admitted to the act and promised not to repeat it,” a volunteer said.

Priyam Chhetri, a member of the collective, said educational institutions and civic bodies are reading the Supreme Court judgment proactively. “The Supreme Court has prescribed detailed steps for relocation, but these institutions are flouting them,” she said.

Meanwhile, many college students are posting on social media about dogs missing from their campuses. The collective is working on cases highlighted by social media users.

Officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) said they have not received any complaint of illegal relocation. “We have collated data from all corporations on stray dogs in educational institutions and private companies. Corporations have identified locations to build relocation infrastructure, and the work will be taken forward in coordination with NGOs,” an official said.

A senior official told The Hindu that four corporations have identified land parcels while one is yet to do so. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court on stray dog numbers and infrastructure development.