In a shocking revelation made during a session of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Janata Dal (Secular) MLC SL Bhojegowda confessed to orchestrating the killing of 2,800 stray dogs, claiming it was necessary to protect children from dog attacks. Speaking in the Council, Bhojegowda said the dogs were fed poisoned meat and buried under coconut trees in Chikmagalur, where he was previously heading the civic body. He controversially justified the act, saying, “Let’s go to jail also if needed for the safety of our kids,” while accusing animal lovers of being a “menace” for opposing such measures.

Bhojegowda’s comments come at a time of intense debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s recent directive on the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, following rising incidents of dog bites and rabies, particularly involving children. The apex court’s August 11 order, issued by a bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, described the situation as “extremely grim” and ordered authorities to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within 6–8 weeks, with a capacity to hold at least 5,000 canines.

The directive has stirred controversy nationwide. While some support it in light of public safety, others, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, have criticized the move. Gandhi termed the decision a “step back” from India’s decades-long compassionate approach towards animals. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also backed Gandhi’s stance, describing the order as cruel and advocating for humane solutions to manage the stray dog population.

The Supreme Court’s directive is now under further scrutiny, as Chief Justice of India BR Gavai acknowledged concerns raised by an advocate over the order’s legality and its deviation from earlier rulings. The matter has triggered a national conversation on animal rights, public safety, and ethical governance, especially after Bhojegowda’s explosive admission in the Karnataka legislature.