Karnataka Sets Sights on 100% ABC Coverage for Stray Dogs Within Three Years

In a move that blends public‑health concerns with animal‑welfare goals, Karnataka’s government has announced it will chalk out a three‑year action plan to achieve 100 % coverage of its Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for stray dogs. The declaration came from Krishna Byre Gowda, the state’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, during a press briefing on Thursday.

“We have made decent progress, but the job is far from over,” Gowda said, his tone a mix of optimism and urgency. “Our target is clear – every street‑dog in Karnataka should be sterilised and vaccinated against rabies by 2029.”

Currently, the ABC drive, which combines spaying or neutering with anti‑rabies vaccination, is operational in most districts, yet gaps remain, especially in remote taluks where stray populations are harder to reach. The minister hinted that the forthcoming plan will plug those gaps by mobilising additional resources, streamlining field operations and leveraging technology for better monitoring.

Key components of the upcoming strategy are expected to include:

• A revised budget allocation that earmarks funds specifically for outreach in hard‑to‑serve areas.
• Partnerships with NGOs and veterinary colleges to boost manpower and expertise.
• Deployment of a mobile app for real‑time tracking of sterilisation and vaccination numbers.
• Community‑engagement drives to sensitize residents about the benefits of the ABC programme and to encourage reporting of stray‑dog hotspots.

Gowda also underscored the public‑health angle, noting that a fully covered ABC network could slash rabies incidences dramatically. “When dogs are vaccinated, people are safer. When they’re sterilised, the stray population stabilises. It’s a win‑win,” he added.

The minister promised that a draft of the action plan will be ready by the end of the calendar year, after which it will be tabled before the state cabinet for approval. Once green‑lit, implementation will roll out in phases, starting with districts that have the highest stray‑dog density.

Animal‑rights groups welcomed the news but cautioned that execution will be the true test. “We’ve seen many well‑intentioned schemes stall at the paperwork stage,” said Dr. Ananya Rao of the Karnataka Animal Welfare Forum. “Continuous funding, transparent reporting, and genuine community participation will be crucial.”

Still, the overall sentiment in Bengaluru and beyond is one of cautious optimism. Residents who have long lived alongside roaming dogs hope that the plan will finally bring a sustainable solution to the issue that has haunted the state for decades.