A recent nationwide survey has delivered a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing fears about street dogs in urban India. Contrary to popular discourse dominated by safety concerns, the study reveals a profound and quiet bond shared by a majority of citizens with the community dogs that roam their neighbourhoods.
Overwhelming Public Trust in Canine Companions
The survey, conducted across ten major Indian cities by the Delhi-based Esya Centre, presents compelling data. Over 91% of respondents stated they feel safer with dogs present on their streets, strongly believing the animals help deter criminal activity. This sentiment finds a real-world echo in incidents like the one in Bengal's Nabadwip, where a pack of street dogs famously stood guard around an abandoned newborn throughout the night.
Delving into canine temperament, the findings challenge the stereotype of aggression. A significant 73.5% of those surveyed described the general nature of street dogs as friendly, while another 15% characterised them as timid. This paints a picture of animals that are largely non-threatening and integrated into the social fabric.
Sterilization and Vaccination: The Proven Path Forward
The report strongly endorses humane, scientific methods for population management, noting widespread public support for sterilization programs. It highlights the dramatic success of sustained Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination drives. The data is stark: Reported human deaths from rabies have plummeted from 534 in 2004 to just 54 in 2024. In a notable example, Delhi recorded no human rabies fatalities between 2022 and January 2025.
"This clearly indicates that sustained vaccination and sterilisation campaigns, rather than culling of strays, have been key to saving human lives," the Esya Centre analysis states. The report underscores that India's fluctuating stray dog population requires continued commitment to these ABC programs, which 78% of survey respondents acknowledged.
The Critical Role of Community and Feeders
Human behaviour is identified as a decisive factor in shaping canine behaviour. The study advocates for displaying compassion towards street dogs—through kind treatment or feeding—as a way to foster safer interactions. It places special emphasis on the invaluable role of community dog feeders.
According to the think tank, feeders are uniquely positioned to assist municipal efforts by helping to capture dogs for sterilization, ensuring animals are returned to their familiar territories, and supporting record-keeping. Consequently, the survey report calls on authorities to enact stronger legal protections for responsible dog feeders and take stricter action against those who harass them.
"Stronger legal protections for dog feeders are critical to fostering safer, more cooperative human-animal co-existence in India," Esya concludes. The findings collectively advocate for a policy and community approach rooted in empathy, scientific management, and recognition of the positive contributions these animals make to daily urban life.
