By S. Kenneth Shishir

While every human being is given a proper burial, animals, too, deserve dignity in death.

Unfortunately, many of us tend to ignore the sight of a stray dog killed in an accident. But for the past five years, one man has been silently performing a noble duty — giving proper burials to stray dogs killed by speeding vehicles on Mysuru’s Outer Ring Road.

That man is Umesh, who runs the Bow Bow Pet Resort on Udbur-Sinduvalli Road. Whenever he receives a message about a dog killed on the Ring Road, Umesh immediately grabs a pickaxe and shovel, rushes to the location, and personally buries the animal. From 2020 till Aug. 31, 2025, he has buried 509 stray dogs along the Ring Road.

“Stray dogs killed in accidents deserve a proper burial,” Umesh said. “This not only prevents public health issues but also ensures ethical treatment of the animal’s remains. Improper disposal of animal bodies can pose health risks to both humans and animals. Giving them a dignified final resting place honours their lives, even if they were community dogs,” he added.

Hinkal Flyover to Bogadi Ring Road Junction

Most roadkill incidents occur on the Hinkal Flyover to Bogadi Ring Road Junction stretch, where vehicles travel at neck-breaking speeds, often violating the speed limit. A significant number of dogs are also run over between the Sathagalli Ring Road Junction and the Manipal Hospital Junction.

Many of these tragic deaths happen because dogs cross the road to eat meat waste, especially poultry scraps, dumped irresponsibly by meat shops and eateries along the Ring Road. Umesh urged those responsible to dispose of waste scientifically, noting that these careless practices not only attract stray animals but also create hygiene issues.

Umesh buries the dogs near plants on the median, where over time, the decomposed remains help fertilise the soil.

Expanding beyond Ring Road

Not limiting his efforts to the Ring Road, Umesh has begun responding to calls from Highway Patrol personnel about roadkills along the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway, up to the exit near Srirangapatna.

“So far, I have buried 21 stray dogs killed on the Highway and I plan to cover the entire stretch to ensure proper burials for dogs killed by speeding vehicles,” he said.

While it is a punishable offence to kill stray dogs, Umesh pointed out that there is no specific law mandating proper burial for dogs killed in accidents. “A law should be introduced to ensure that dogs killed on roads receive a dignified burial,” he urged.

Free and paid cemetery

Umesh also runs a free and paid cemetery for dogs. The free service is for community dogs and cats, cared for by residents, so they can receive a respectful burial after death. The paid service is for pet owners who do not have space to bury their beloved pets.

“Dogs, too, have families, and they are deeply emotional, just like humans,” Umesh said.

He appealed to the public: “If you spot a dead dog anywhere on the Ring Road, send a WhatsApp message to 99862-84468 with a photo and location details. This helps me locate the spot quickly and ensure the dog receives a proper burial.”