Basavaraj Bommai, the chief minister of Karnataka and an enthusiastic dog lover, said on Friday, 17th February that an online programme would be created to care for stray dogs and allow the general public to adopt them.
Presenting his government’s latest budget for the current term, he said it will create an opportunity for dog lovers to adopt dogs by registering their names.
Pointing out that the Mudhol hound breed has been recognized as an Indian indigenous breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), the Chief Minister also said that a grant of Rs. 5 Crore would be provided to develop the breed.
To prevent violence against animals and for animal welfare, a Rs. 5 Crore grant will be given to the Animal Welfare Board, he said. Mobile Veterinary Clinics are set up by the board in Bengaluru for the treatment of abandoned animals. In 2021 were videos and images of Mr Bommai flanked by family members saying goodbye to his dog Sunny by reaching down to kiss him just before the pet’s final rites were to be performed, and his eyes with wiped with a handkerchief had gone viral on social media.
Mr. Bommai is often seen lovingly petting and kissing cows after performing Gau Puja wherever he goes.
In July of last year, after seeing the Rakshit Shetty-starring film “777 Charlie,” which was based on a dog, he broke down in tears.