Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday launched a comprehensive stray dog census across all 67 wards in the city.
This initiative aims to gather accurate data on the stray dog population, which will help in planning effective animal birth control (ABC) drives and improving animal welfare.
According to reports, the counting took place between 5:00 am and 7:00 am under the supervision of expert veterinarians and with active participation from Swachh Sathis, Swachh Supervisors, and Sanitary Inspectors.
A total of 410 teams, comprising expert veterinarians, civic officials, Swachh Sathis, sanitation workers, and supervisors, carried out the survey in two phases using scientific methods. The counting will take place daily between 5 am and 7 am, when street dogs are more visible in localities.
The census aims to count the total number of street dogs, assess dog density in BMC areas, frame effective strategies for dog control and management, improve street dog health and welfare, and prevent disease transmission, such as rabies.
Meanwhile, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das encouraged citizens to cooperate and support the enumerators engaged in this important task.
By gathering accurate data, the BMC can implement targeted interventions to reduce dog bite cases, prevent disease transmission, and improve overall animal welfare.
