Dog show and stray dog adoption camp to be held on February 22

Dharwad district administration and Dharwad Zilla Panchayat, in association with various government agencies and non-governmental organisations, have organised a dog show and stray dog adoption camp in Dharwad on February 22.

Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on February 21, Dharwad Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhuvanesh Patil said that the programme will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the playground of Karnataka College, Dharwad (KCD), and district in-charge Minister Santosh Lad will inaugurate it.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Karnataka Veterinary Association, Humane World for Animals, and other NGOs have helped organise the event. Over 150 dogs of various breeds have already been registered for the show. Prizes will be awarded based on health, grooming, discipline, and performance.

Mr. Patil said that for adopted dogs, free anti-rabies vaccination, combined vaccination against common diseases, deworming medicine, a neck belt and leash, a starter kit, sterilisation within a year, and a rabies awareness certificate will be provided.

He also said that as per a recent survey conducted with the help of NGOs, Dharwad has 15,318 pet dogs and 31,018 stray dogs in urban areas, and 3,030 pet dogs and 5,817 stray dogs in rural areas. In the 2024 dog show, 130 dogs of 25 breeds had participated and 75 were awarded prizes.

He added that participation in the 2026 dog show had increased compared to 2024, and for the first time, police dogs will also be part of the event.