Relocate stray dogs from Bengaluru city, say Opposition members
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Suresh Babu (JD-S) Umanath Kotian, S. Suresh Kumar, and C.N. Ashwath Narayan (all BJP) have expressed concern over the rise in the number of dog-bite cases in the State.
Mr. Suresh Kumar said over 18,000 dog-bite cases and 18 suspected human rabies deaths were reported in Bengaluru city in the last six months.
Threat to public health
They demanded that the government implement the Supreme Court order on August 11 on controlling stray dogs in public places in New Delhi. They warned that the stray dog menace has been a threat to public health in the city.
The SC order should be applicable in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, and other cities, Mr. Suresh Kumar said.
Noting the incident of a stray dog biting two students of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics University (BASE) in west Bengaluru, he urged the government to implement the Supreme Court guidelines.
The government should also issue directions to all municipalities to catch stray dogs and make appropriate arrangements to relocate them. Mr. Suresh Kumar stressed that children have become victims of stray dogs in the city.
In LH too
They highlighted stray dog problems at the Legislators' Home (LH) and asked Speaker U.T. Khader to take steps to keep the surroundings of LH and the Vidhana Soudha free from stray dogs.
Mr. Kotian said members have been finding it difficult to keep the doors open at the LH. 'The dogs sleep on doormats and it is difficult for us to even step out,' he said.
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