'Got 2,800 Dogs Killed, Buried Under Coconut Trees': JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda's Shocking Revelation In Karnataka Legislative Council

Bengaluru: Janata Dal Secular MLC SL Bhojegowda on Wednesday confessed to getting 2,800 stray dogs killed to ensure "the safety of children". The lawmaker also demanded that a petition be filed in the Supreme Court and make Karnataka the first in India to ask the Supreme Court to act against dogs.

"We also have concern for animals, but animal lovers are another menace," Mr Bhojegowda said in the Legislative Council today. "But you see the suffering of young children. You read about this daily in the papers and TV. It is happening every day," he was qouted saying by NDTV.

Recounting an incident when he was at the helm of the civic body in Chikmagalur, he said, "We had mixed something with meat and fed about 2800 dogs and buried them under coconut trees to serve them as natural compost. Let's go to jail also if needed for the safety of our kids," he said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday came out in support of Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's stand on Supreme Court's recent directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR. Siddaramaiah called the removal of stray dogs cruel and also urged humane solutions. Rahul Gandhi described the SC directive as a “step back” from decades of compassionate policy.

Earlier in the day, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said that he would examine an urgent mention relating to the Supreme Court’s recent order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets. His statement comes after an advocate flagged concerns over the move's legality and consistency with previous judgments.

Court’s August 11 Order Sparks Outrage

The controversy stems from an August 11 order by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which described an “extremely grim” situation caused by stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children.

Citing public safety concerns, the top court directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all stray dogs to shelters “at the earliest” and to create facilities for at least 5,000 canines within six to eight weeks. The bench warned of strict action against anyone obstructing the relocation process.