Pramesh S Jain
A group of city based animal lovers gathered at FreedomPark to protest against the illegal and inhumane capture of community dogs from the DRDO Phase 2 campus in Kaggadasapura.
The demonstration,led by the CV Raman Nagar Animal Squad,brought together residents,animal welfare groups, legal experts and volunteers from across the city, united in demanding accountability and adherence to law and science.
The protest follows a shocking incident on March 5, when residents intercepted a truck inside the DRDO campus and discovered three dogs with their legs and mouths bound, stuffed into plastic bags and gunny sacks.
The stray dogs were rescued just in time, but more than 20 others living peacefully on the campus were found missing.
The GBA has since lodged an FIR at Mahadevapura Police Station, and the case is now before the High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for April 16.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with animal welfare advocates warning that it reflects a dangerous misuse of Supreme Court directions issued last year on the removal of street dogs from public spaces.
They argue that such misapplication has led to escalating cruelty and institutional impunity.
Actor and politician Ramya (DivyaSpandana) broke down while addressing the gathering, visibly shaken by the cruelty inflicted on the dogs.
“I don’t know how anyone can watch those videos.It makes my blood boil. Institutions we trust must act responsibly.
If the dogs are safe, show us proof. If not, those responsible must face strict punishment,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion
Veteran animal welfare leader Priya Chetty Rajagopal underscored Bengaluru’s strong animal welfare network, noting that more than 60 canine squads and aid groups have sterilized and vaccinated thousands of dogs over the past decade.
“We work in tandem with GBA and NGOs to take care of street animals. When institutions act unlawfully and cruelly,we will not keep quiet.We will fight for justice,” she declared.
Protesters demanded immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the missing dogs, accountability for those responsible,strict enforcement of Animal Birth Control rules and institutional collaboration with citizen groups and experts.
They called for humane,science-based,long-term solutions to address human-animal conflict.
