Bhubaneswar Launches Comprehensive Street Dog Census

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has embarked on a comprehensive census of street dogs across the city, marking a significant step towards managing the stray population. Conducted daily between 5 am and 7 am, this initiative involves counting dogs across every street and ward, according to BMC officials.

The census will be executed in two phases, with the first phase concluding on September 25. The second phase is intended to verify the numbers recorded initially, as explained by BMC Mayor Sulochana Das. A formidable team comprising 410 personnel, including sanitation workers, supervisors, and inspectors, will work under the guidance of qualified veterinarians.

BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana emphasized the necessity of this census, expressing concerns over the growing dog population, estimated at 80,000 in the city. The collected data will inform strategies under the animal birth control (ABC) initiative to address issues like dog bites, disease transmission, and road accidents, while ensuring the health and welfare of the dogs.

(With inputs from agencies.)