Canine distemper outbreak worsens in Bengaluru as animal crematorium remains closed
Bengaluru: BBMP is under increasing pressure for its failure to control a deadly outbreak of canine distemper (CD) among stray dogs, coupled with the prolonged closure of the city's only dedicated animal electric crematorium in Sumanahalli.
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The twin crisis has left hundreds of stray animals vulnerable, untreated, and without a dignified way of passing.
In recent weeks, veterinary workers and animal welfare volunteers have reported a surge in canine distemper infections, especially among stray dogs. Caused by a virus, CD affects respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs. It can spread rapidly in unvaccinated animals, and in many cases, lead to death.
The virus, however, doesn't affect humans.
Without a dedicated treatment centre under BBMP's care, NGOs and rescue groups have been left to handle the outbreak, with limited resources and space. They describe this as one of the deadliest outbreaks seen in recent years. Kruthika, an animal activist, told TOI, "We're seeing multiple new cases every day. There's no proper infrastructure to isolate or care for these infected dogs.
Many are dying on the streets without any humane support.
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Adding to the problem is the closure of Sumanahalli crematorium for emergency maintenance. BBMP chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao acknowledged the severity of the issue in a statement to TOI, and promised: "The matter will be addressed immediately. We'll arrange an alternative."
Keerthan from Charlie's Care NGO shared, "After the outbreak, we are doing our best to treat sick dogs, but many are dying.
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Without the crematorium, we're forced to store bodies in freezers. It's heartbreaking."
Suralkar Vikas Kishore, special commissioner, animal husbandry, BBMP, confirmed that steps are being taken to fight the outbreak. "We've launched vaccination drives to prevent further spread. We've approved an action plan to open animal clinics in every ward soon. As for the crematorium, it has a serious technical fault. We are calling for an emergency tender to fix it soon."
With the crematorium closed, some private individuals have started offering animal cremation services, often at high costs. Nandish, a pet owner, said: "Many dogs died in our neighbourhood, and we had to use private crematoriums that charged exorbitant fees. BBMP has failed to provide even this basic dignity to dead animals. It's a clear administrative failure."
Dr Rekha Rao, a local veterinarian said, "We need the govt to step in with temporary treatment centres, mobile clinics, and guidelines for handling deceased animals."
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