What’s Happening?
- Spike in Canine Distemper (CD) among Bengaluru’s stray dog population.The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and is often fatal for unvaccinated dogs. It’s highly contagious through respiratory droplets and contact with infected animals.
- Rising daily caseload: Animal welfare groups report “multiple new cases every day,” with many dogs dying in the streets without care or isolation facilities.
Why the Crisis is Worsening
1. Closed Crematorium
The Sumanahalli electric crematorium—the city’s sole facility—remains shut for emergency repairs. This leaves deceased strays uncremated; bodies are being stored in freezers or taken to private crematoria at high cost.
2. Overstretched NGOs
With no BBMP clinics for CD, NGOs and vets are shoulder-to-shoulder handling rescue and treatment despite resource and space constraints.
3. BBMP Response
BBMP officials have launched vaccination drives, drafted plans to open animal clinics in every ward, and called for tenders to fix the crematorium.
The BBMP’s special animal husbandry commissioner emphasized these steps, though implementation details remain forthcoming.
Voices from the Ground
1. Kruthika (activist)
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.
2. Keerthan (Charlie’s Care NGO)
After the outbreak, we are doing our best to treat sick dogs, but many are dying. Without the crematorium, we’re forced to store bodies in freezers. It’s heartbreaking.
3. Nandish (pet owner)
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.
4. Dr. Rekha Rao (veterinarian)
We need the govt to step in with temporary treatment centres, mobile clinics, and guidelines for handling deceased animals.
What’s Been Done & Next Steps
1. Vaccination Drives
BBMP says they’re rolling out CD vaccinations for stray dogs, though budget constraints and logistics remain challenges.
2. New Animal Clinics
Plans are in motion for clinics in every BBMP ward dedicated to treating community dogs.
3. Crematorium Repair
Emergency repairs are underway, with a tender issued for restoration. Meanwhile, private providers are offering services at premium costs.
Broader Context
1. Recurring Threat
CD has plagued Bengaluru in the past—vets have consistently reported rising cases among unvaccinated stray and adopted dogs.
2. Standard Preventive Measures Exist
Puppies should receive distemper vaccinations (starting at 6–8 weeks, with boosters till 16 weeks).
Without vaccination, infected dogs often require life-saving supportive care—fluids, antibiotics, nursing—but no specific antiviral treatment exists.
Summary & Key Implications
| Issue | Status & Impact |
| Outbreak severity | High – daily new, untreated cases among strays |
| Infrastructure gaps | No isolation/treatment centers; NGOs under pressure |
| Crematorium shutdown | Deceased animals not managed respectfully; private alternatives costly |
| BBMP action plan | Vaccination drives, ward clinics, crematorium repairs |
| Requirements to contain | Fast vaccination, isolation facilities, mobile clinics, crematorium restoration |
Final Thoughts
Bengaluru is experiencing a serious canine distemper outbreak among its stray dog population, amplified by infrastructural failings and administrative inertia. While BBMP has announced campaigns and repair plans, effective containment depends on swift vaccination, accessible care facilities, humane disposal options, and sustained support to NGOs. The situation also highlights the need for regular CD vaccination across the city to prevent future resurgences. If you’d like, I can help you locate stray dog clinics in your area, share details about where to volunteer or donate, or track BBMP’s progress on crematorium repairs.
