Large Cages as a ABC ARV enabler for Bangalore

CJ Memorial Trust Initiative in ABC (Animal Birth Control) and ARV (Anti-Rabies Vaccination)

The CJ Memorial Trust has tried to look at innovative solutions to address critical challenges in animal birth control and rabies vaccination, particularly in areas where traditional methods (e.g., nets, chasing) fail due to dogs’ heightened alertness and stress-induced evasion. The humane, cage-based strategy has transformed outcomes in high-pressure zones, fostering safer and more effective dog population management. although this was done by us on a private basis at privately funded cost. An architect member Aanchal first fabricated a sample 6*6 cage for uncatchable intact dogs , using it with a private catcher. Given its effectiveness, and relatively less stress for the dogs, subsequent fabrication was set up at Cubbon Park by the Cubbon Park Canines team of caretakers . BBMP has finally understood its impact with our Cubbon Park Pilot Project, and has slowly tested the same method. It must be emphasised that without compassionate dedicated, feeders work closely on regular feeding times and location, the catching is impossible.

Key Challenges Addressed

- Dogs evading capture due to fear of nets/catchers, leading to unsterilized populations and rabies risks.

- Overburdened communities and feeders in large, overgrown, or poorly managed areas (e.g., cemeteries, campuses).

- High reproductive rates among feral dogs, exacerbating population pressures.

Innovative Solution: Portable Trust-Building Cages

The Trust introduced collapsible, portable iron cages (8 sq. ft., 4 ft. height) designed to:

- Allow daily feeding inside the cage, building trust and familiarity.

- Enable subsequent stress-free capture without chase, reducing trauma for dogs.

- Ensure healthier dogs (due to consistent feeding) for safer surgeries and faster recovery.

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Impactful Case Studies

1. Cubbon Park Pilot (Bangalore)

- Problem: 3 unsterilized feral mothers from a neighboring PWD office had produced 2 sets of litters each, threatening park ecology.. They were impossible to catch in a 197 acre campus

- Solution: Cage placed amidst bamboo at the jogging trail; 6 months of daily feeding reluctant pups and dogs inside.

- Result: 15 dogs caught over 2 months, preventing birth of 20–30 new pups. The pups were first vaccinated. All park dogs are now neutered/vaccinated. Safety and compassion both achieved .Cage is now being shifted to another ground

2. Jalahalli Tragedy & Veterinary Hospital Campus

- Problem: 300+ dogs across a 100-acre campus posed rabies risks after a fatal human attack. The Jalahalli Air Force Station human death demonstrated how difficult even Feeder lead, catchingcould .be

- Solution:, Cage feeding system implemented; feeders provided meals only inside enclosures.

- Result: 10–14 dogs caught at a time, with reduced stress and healthier post-surgery outcomes.

3. Cemeteries/Crematoriums (Richmond Squad Survey)

- Problem: Over 100 unsterilized dogs across Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Catholic cemeteries; starvation deaths and lactating mothers.

- Solution: Cage systems deployed in Hosur and Kalpalli Crematorium and cemeteries.

- Result: 28 dogs neutered/vaccinated, in month one , with ongoing efforts to expand coverage.

4. Palace Grounds (1000+ Acres)

- we are looking ARVTesting portable cages in sprawling, fragmented spaces to manage dispersed dog populations.

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Broader Outcomes & Scalability

- Stress-Free Capture:Eliminates panic, improving dog welfare and community safety.

- BBMP Adoption: The Bangalore municipal corporation now understands the impact and now Cholereplicates the cage model in select zones.

- Sustainability: Collapsible design allows relocation to new sites once local populations are controlled.

- Community Impact: Reduced rabies risk, fewer aggressive dogs, and eased pressure on feeders.

Conclusion:

The CJ Memorial Trust’s cage-based approach has strongly impacted ABC/ARV efforts in challenging terrains, proving that trust-building and humane practices yield sustainable results. . By prioritizing animal welfare alongside community needs, the Trust has set a replicable benchmark for urban wildlife management, now amplified through institutional partnerships like BBMP. This model holds promise for scaling across India’s diverse landscapes, ensuring safer coexistence between humans and stray animals.

Key Takeaway- Compassionate innovation, patience (6-month trust-building!), and collaboration are driving measurable change in ABC/ARV—a blueprint for city and national replication.

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