Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) commenced a stray dog census throughout the city on Thursday, as announced by an official. The counting of stray dogs will occur daily from 5 am to 7 am in every street and ward. The census will be executed in two phases; the first phase will last until September 25, while the second phase will verify the accuracy of the counted dog population, according to BMC Mayor Sulochana Das. A total of 410 teams, comprising sanitation workers, supervisors, inspectors, and other officials, will carry out the census under the oversight of qualified veterinarians. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana stated that the census will encompass all 67 wards of the city.
Conducting a census of stray dogs is crucial for implementing effective population management measures, he explained. “We have not conducted a stray dog census in the BMC area for several years. We are collecting data on male and female dogs, puppies, and sterilization status during the census,” Rana noted. He encouraged citizens to assist the survey teams in counting the dogs in their neighborhoods. Upon completion of the census, a comprehensive stray dog management plan will be formulated as part of the animal birth control (ABC) initiative to regulate their numbers. The Commissioner added that this census will aid in reducing dog bite incidents, controlling disease transmission such as rabies and leptospirosis, and addressing barking disturbances and traffic accidents.
Additionally, the BMC will be positioned to enhance the health and welfare of stray dogs, he indicated. Currently, the stray dog population in Bhubaneswar is estimated to be around 80,000, although the precise number will be determined once the census concludes.