'Are You Joking Around?': Karnataka Minister Slams Officials Over Missing Data On Stray Dogs

Published 30 June 2026 · local

'Are You Joking Around?': Karnataka Minister Slams Officials Over Missing Data On Stray Dogs Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 23:21 IST When officials

'Are You Joking Around?': Karnataka Minister Slams Officials Over Missing Data On Stray Dogs Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 23:21 IST When officials attempted to explain the programme's outcome, Gowda reportedly dismissed their responses as "vague and illogical explanations." Rapid Read Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda (File photo) Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda strongly criticised officials of the Animal Husbandry Department during a review meeting after they failed to produce basic data on the state’s long-running stray dog sterilisation programme. A visibly displeased Gowda questioned why nearly 19 officers had attended the meeting without carrying key information, particularly when asked to explain why the stray dog population had shown little change despite sterilisation efforts spanning almost two decades. He reportedly directed that the officer responsible be relieved from duty. Stray Dog Drive Under Scrutiny “Why have you come to the meeting?

Should I send you outside? Are you joking around there? What is the expenditure for five years? How many of you from the Animal Husbandry Department are present here?" the Minister, who has been allotted the Greater Bengaluru Development portfolio, asked, according to a report in NDTV. Expressing disbelief over the lack of preparation, he added, “Nineteen officers together cannot even bring proper data to a meeting?" He further instructed, “First, relieve him today and then come back. I don’t want him to continue. Let anyone else come instead… Tell me the five-year data." Officer Faces Suspension Order When officials attempted to explain the programme’s outcome, Gowda reportedly dismissed their responses as “vague and illogical explanations" and sought details of the expenditure incurred over the years. “Do you think I am sitting here with flowers in my ears?" he said, using a Kannada idiom to indicate he would not accept unconvincing answers.

The Byatarayanapura MLA has previously taken strict action against officials over lapses in public works. Earlier this month, he suspended an officer and imposed a penalty on a contractor after finding road construction work to be of poor quality. After taking action, Gowda had written on X, “I really hope I don’t have to do this frequently. But, if officers and contractors do not listen and do their job, unfortunately, I will be forced. I appeal to them to do their job properly." He added, “Today, I happened to observe an asphalt work in progress. I was doubtful of the quality. I asked the commissioner to inspect this asphalt work. Indeed, the work was found to be substandard. Sadly, the officer is suspended and the contractor penalised." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.