Bhubaneswar's Stray Dog Census Aims to Tame Canine Chaos

Stray dogs have long been a contentious issue in Bhubaneswar, leaving citizens eager for solutions. Under mounting pressure, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to embark on a systematic stray dog census in mid-September. This initiative aims to curb dog-related problems by garnering precise data about their population.

The Mission for Accurate Numbers

Bhubaneswar, with an estimated stray dog count of 70,000, grapples with uneven distributions across city areas. The BMC’s plan—detailed through the engagement of nine specialized teams—seeks to map those areas with high densities, capturing vital statistics like gender distribution. This targeted approach will also emphasize identifying which areas have the highest concentrations.

Counting the Canines in Action

The methodology laid out by BMC additional commissioner, Ratnakar Sahu, includes meticulous planning. Enumerators will venture into all city lanes during the tranquil early morning hours. Their objective: to document the dog’s presence, characteristics, and vital identifiers using sighting methods supplemented by video and photography. The collaborative effort of Swachh Sathi and Swachh supervisors will ensure accuracy and efficiency in documenting canines in each zone in succession.

The Impetus: Recent Tragedies

Recent unfortunate events underline the urgency of this census. The passing of para-athlete Jogendra Chhatria and Hrusikesh Rana, due to a rabid dog attack, highlights the need for such preventative measures.

After the census, the BMC intends to ramp up sterilization efforts. The presence of over 360 dog kennels in the city will facilitate this endeavor, with newly established ones at Mancheswar and Saheed Nagar. Daily sterilization targets will increase to ensure a significant reduction in dog breeding.

A Unified Front: Addressing Urban Predicaments

Beyond counting dogs, a partnership with the fisheries and animal resource development department aims to assess the city’s stray cattle issues—another ubiquitous concern for commuters. While challenging, these initiatives signify a robust effort to tackle the various facets of urban wildlife management in Bhubaneswar.

Long-term Vision

The dog census stands as a pivotal first step in managing stray dog populations responsibly. By obtaining detailed data, the BMC can more effectively manage sterilization procedures and create safer urban environments for both residents and dogs. As stated in Times of India, this comprehensive approach could serve as a model for similarly affected urban centers.

With this census, Bhubaneswar residents can look forward to an environment where order prevails, safety is prioritized, and harmony between people and their stray canine counterparts is restored.