The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to conduct a comprehensive census of stray dogs and survey areas with high concentrations of community canines. Civic officials confirmed that the initiative will be expedited following the Supreme Court's directives issued earlier this week.
PMC Veterinary Department Responds to Supreme Court Orders
Sarika Funde, head of the PMC veterinary department, stated, "We are adhering to the apex court's directives. The survey of stray dogs is being carried out near locations such as schools, hospitals, and food joints, where they are found in large numbers, solely to determine the population. The PMC has initiated the process to finalize an agency for the census. We will also urge citizens and dog lovers to assist in this initiative."
Current Stray Dog Population and Feeding Spots
The last stray dog census was conducted in 2023. According to primary estimates, there are approximately 80,000 stray canines within the PMC limits at present. Civic officials also revealed that around 100 designated spots have been identified for feeding community dogs, with details shared via social media, email, and in person with feeders.
Supreme Court Directives on Animal Birth Control and Shelters
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court instructed states to establish at least one animal birth control (ABC) centre in each district to sterilize dogs and control the population. The court also directed high courts to register suo motu cases to monitor the implementation of its order and ensure compliance with its August and November 2025 directions. According to these directions, dogs from specific locations such as hospitals and railway stations will be relocated to shelters. The court further clarified that no FIR or criminal proceedings should be initiated against officials implementing the directives, except in cases of gross abuse of authority, mala fides, or non-compliance with court orders.
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Initiatives
Officials from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) stated that one of the key changes required under the Supreme Court guidelines is the establishment of proper shelters for stray dogs. "We have finalized locations for four shelter homes, and the related process has been initiated," a senior PCMC official said. These shelters will be used to keep stray dogs away only from certain locations like hospitals and schools, as directed by the Supreme Court.
PCMC officials also claimed that sterilization and anti-rabies initiatives have been stepped up. According to data shared by the civic body earlier, 47,272 stray dogs were sterilized in the financial year 2025-26, while approximately 1.3 lakh were administered anti-rabies vaccines.
