Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Launches Major Stray Dog Management Initiative
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) wing of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step in addressing the city's stray dog population by identifying 457 specific institutions where these animals have been reported to create disturbances. This comprehensive survey forms the foundation for a phased catching and rehabilitation program that aligns with directives from the Supreme Court of India.
Targeted Locations and Institutional Advisory
BMC officials have revealed that the identified locations predominantly include stadiums, hospitals, schools, and college campuses—areas where stray dogs frequently gather in search of food sources. The civic body has formally advised these 457 institutions, which encompass both private and government offices, to implement preventive measures.
"We have advised these institutions to construct proper boundary walls to prevent dogs from entering their premises," explained a BMC representative. "This measure aims to reduce repeated congregation around food sources and minimize human-animal conflict."
Phased Rehabilitation Strategy
According to Dr. Debi Prasad Kund, the in-charge of BMC's ABC programme, approximately 5,000 stray dogs from these identified locations will be systematically caught and transferred to shelters. This represents a substantial portion of the city's estimated total stray dog population of around 48,000.
"We identified altogether 457 institutions that included private and government offices as well," stated Dr. Kund. "Such dogs will be caught and brought to shelters in a phased manner to ensure systematic management."
The rehabilitation drive has already commenced with the successful catching and relocation of 30 stray dogs from Kalinga Stadium. Similar operations will be extended to other identified locations across BMC limits, including:
- Bus stands and transportation hubs
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Airports and railway stations
- Educational institutions (schools and colleges)
- Government and private office complexes
Comprehensive Health and Sterilization Program
Parallel to the catching initiative, BMC is implementing an aggressive sterilization campaign targeting both male and female dogs. Recognizing that winter represents the breeding season for canines, BMC personnel are currently focusing sterilization efforts primarily on male dogs. Any female dogs accidentally caught during operations are being promptly released back to their locations.
A major anti-rabies vaccination drive is scheduled to commence in the first week of March, with BMC leveraging the expertise of 60 veterinary interns from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). This collaborative effort aims to enhance public health safety while addressing animal welfare concerns.
Shelter Development and Infrastructure Enhancement
In response to Supreme Court directives requiring permanent shelter facilities for rehabilitated stray dogs, BMC has formally requested land from the Khurda district collector. The proposed location on the city's outskirts would accommodate dedicated shelter facilities designed to house dogs for their entire lifespan with proper food and medical care.
"Rehabilitation in permanent shelters is a key requirement in the Supreme Court directive," emphasized BMC officials. "Besides sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination, this represents a crucial component of our comprehensive stray dog management strategy."
The planned shelters will be developed in three distinct categories with varying capacities:
- Small shelters accommodating approximately 100 dogs
- Medium shelters designed for around 500 dogs
- Large facilities capable of housing up to 1,000 dogs
While awaiting the development of permanent shelters, BMC will utilize its two existing kennel facilities at Saheed Nagar and Mancheswar. The Saheed Nagar kennel is currently undergoing renovation that will significantly enhance operational capacity upon completion.
"Once the renovation is completed, the Saheed Nagar facility will allow sterilization of 20 additional dogs per day," confirmed BMC officials. "This will increase our daily capacity beyond the current limit of 20 sterilizations, enabling more efficient management of the stray dog population."
This multi-faceted approach represents BMC's most comprehensive effort to date in addressing Bhubaneswar's stray dog challenge while balancing public safety concerns with animal welfare considerations as mandated by judicial directives.
