Stray dog sleeping on Bengaluru airport chair triggers 'health risk' debate. Officials respond

The viral video has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing national conversation about stray dogs in public spaces. (Image credit: @i_m_harshitsing/X)

A video of a stray dog sleeping on a chair outside Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has triggered a sharp online debate, with users split between calling it a public‑health concern and defending the dog’s right to exist in shared spaces.

The clip, shared by an X user, shows the dog curled up on a passenger chair in the landside area of the airport. The user captioned it with concerns about “20+ health risks” and “second‑hand embarrassment” in front of foreign travellers.

As I always say that are taking over everything.

This is Bengaluru International Airport where not only indians but foreigners come around during their journey. Let's put aside 20+ health risks to us because of this Stray situation and Imagine the second hand embarrassment. pic.twitter.com/miS0GXV25B — Harshit Singh (@i_m_harshitsing) February 1, 2026

Airport authorities respond

Responding to the post, Bengaluru airport authorities said: “Thank you for connecting with us. Please be informed that our Landside Operations team is working closely with BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) and local agencies to address the issue of stray dogs at BLR Airport.”

The reply did little to settle the argument, with comments quickly turning into a wider debate on safety, hygiene, and humane treatment of strays.

‘This is dangerous, not cute’: Health concerns dominate one side

Several users argued that the presence of strays in a high‑traffic travel hub poses hygiene issues and safety risks.

One user wrote: “Just imagine that dog drooled on that chair and rubbed its dirty body on it… You don’t even realise when you sit there later. Then you carry all that contamination onto a flight.”

Another described encountering aggressive dogs near airport elevators: “A pack of dogs waits near the elevator area, and when you step out, they try to get in with you. This is not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.”

Some accused authorities of waiting for a serious incident before taking action. “Are you waiting for the strays to bite some passengers — maybe foreign passengers — and then you will take lightning action? Because Indian lives don’t matter…" added another X user.

‘They have a right to live’: Animal lovers push back

On the other side, dog lovers condemned what they called alarmist reactions, stressing that the dog seen in the video was harmless and simply resting.

“They have a right to live like everyone does. We call them strays when actually humans are responsible for this problem,” one user wrote.

Another added, “I don’t understand why humans think they own this earth. Everyone is enjoying co‑existing and compassion.”

The viral video has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing national conversation about stray dogs in public spaces.