BMC Launches Action Plan to Control Stray Dog Population in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to manage the rising stray dog population in the state capital, focusing on vaccination and sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.

BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana said special emphasis will be placed on sustaining the annual vaccination drive and significantly scaling up sterilisation efforts. The civic body aims to expand the ABC programme to three to four times its current scale while ensuring improved post-operative care for the animals.

According to BMC data released on Monday, a total of 47,126 stray dogs have been identified across the city following a census conducted between September 18 and 25 in two phases. Of these, 23,047 are males, 15,552 are females, and 1,124 are puppies. So far, 4,068 male and 3,335 female dogs have been sterilised.

With Bhubaneswar’s population nearing 13 lakh, the stray dog population now accounts for 3.62% of the city’s residents — averaging around 703 dogs per ward. Wards with the highest stray populations include Nos. 23, 7, 49, 65, 4, 9, 5, 56, 43, and 6, with Ward 23 topping the list at 1,703 dogs, followed by Ward 6 with 1,062.

Commissioner Rana added that the BMC plans to adopt successful international models for stray management. “Dog feeding points will be managed scientifically, and inputs from animal lovers and welfare organisations will be considered,” he said.

The civic body also plans to seek financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Urban Development Plan to implement the initiative effectively.

For the first time in Odisha, a comprehensive stray dog enumeration was conducted across all 67 wards of Bhubaneswar. The survey, carried out between 5 AM and 7 AM, covered every street and locality.

A total of 410 teams, supervised by senior veterinary officers, undertook the count. Each team consisted of two enumerators, including Swachh Saathis, Swachh Supervisors, Sanitary Inspectors, Community Organisers, DEOs, and SMTAs. All participants received training at the zonal level to ensure accurate data collection and humane handling of animals.

The initiative marks a major step toward scientific and humane management of Bhubaneswar’s stray dog population, aligning with BMC’s goal of creating a safer and healthier urban environment for both people and animals.