Bhubaneswar: As many as 47,126 stray dogs have been counted during a comprehensive census operation conducted for the animals in Bhubaneswar.
Officials shared the data after completion of the stray dog counting conducted by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the capital city.
They claimed that the BMC has, for the first time in Odisha as well as India, conducted a comprehensive stray dog census in areas under its jurisdiction.
The counting was carried out under the supervision of veterinary officers in two phases between September 18 and 25, covering all 67 wards of the city. The enumeration was conducted from 5 am to 7 am every day across all streets and lanes.
Altogether 410 teams were formed comprising Swachh Sathis, Swachh Supervisors, Sanitary Inspectors, Community Organizers, DEOs, and SMTAs. Each team consisted of two enumerators, who were provided training at the zonal level before the survey commenced.
Of the total stray dogs counted, 23,047 are male, 15,552 are female dogs, and 1,124 are puppies. Among them, 4,068 male dogs and 3,335 female dogs have already been sterilized.
With a population of nearly 13 lakh, Bhubaneswar’s stray dog population stands at 3.62% of its residents—an average of 703 stray dogs per ward. The wards with the highest stray dog population include Ward Nos. 23, 7, 49, 65, 4, 9, 5, 56, 43, and 6. Ward 23 tops the list with 1,703 dogs, followed by Ward 6 with 1,062.
As per the 20th National Livestock Census conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, the stray dog density in Bhubaneswar is significantly higher than the national average. While the national figure stands at 11 stray dogs per 1,000 people, Bhubaneswar records 36 per 1,000. In comparison, the state average is 39 per 1,000 people.
This marks the first-ever detailed stray dog census conducted through a comprehensive, street-by-street survey by any municipal corporation in Odisha. In contrast, other states have relied on sample-based surveys, where estimates were drawn from specific zones and extrapolated proportionally.
The census operation aimed to reduce human–dog conflicts, improve the health and welfare of stray dogs, design an efficient and effective sterilization program. And reduce dog-bite incidents.
Stating that an extensive and scientific census of stray dogs has been conducted in the city, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das said the survey provides scientific data for better urban animal management, dog sterilisation drives, and public safety initiatives.
