In a significant move to address its stray canine population, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a search for suitable land parcels. This action follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India, mandating the development of dedicated shelters for street dogs. Unlike temporary kennels used for post-sterilization quarantine, these proposed facilities are intended as permanent residences where dogs can live out their natural lives.
Three-Tier Shelter Plan Unveiled
As per the Supreme Court guidelines, BMC officials are planning to construct three different scales of shelters. The blueprint includes one facility capable of housing 100 dogs, a second for 500 strays, and a large-scale shelter for up to 1,000 animals. A BMC official confirmed that dogs admitted to these shelters will remain there until their natural death, with the corporation committed to providing consistent food and necessary medical treatment.
Dr. Debi Prasad Kund, who leads the BMC's Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, provided insights into the initial steps. "On a trial basis, we accommodated 20 dogs in a shelter within the existing kennel at Mancheswar," he stated. The BMC has also reached out to various institutions across the city, particularly educational ones, requesting data on the number of dogs frequenting their premises and inquiring about the status of their boundary walls and fencing.
Bhubaneswar's Stray Dog Statistics Revealed
The urgency of the project is underscored by the findings of Bhubaneswar's first-ever comprehensive stray dog census, conducted in two phases during September. This pioneering survey revealed a total stray dog population of 47,126 within the city limits. This figure translates to approximately 36 dogs for every 1,000 human residents, starkly higher than the national average of 11 dogs per 1,000 people. The canine population constitutes about 3.62% of Bhubaneswar's urban human population, which stands near 13 lakh.
Officials noted that while the total number is high, the immediate concern revolves around a subset of about 5,000 stray dogs that are frequently seen in and around institutional areas like schools and colleges. The census has provided crucial, data-driven insights that are now shaping the corporation's policy and infrastructure response.
Sterilization and Shelter Protocol
Dr. Kund clarified that the ongoing ABC programme for sterilizing stray dogs continues uninterrupted as a parallel measure. However, for dogs designated for permanent relocation to the new shelters, a specific protocol will be followed. These animals will first undergo sterilization procedures and then be transferred to the shelters. This ensures the shelters manage a stable, non-breeding population.
The BMC's dual-pronged strategy—combining mass sterilization with the creation of permanent care facilities—represents a structured attempt to humanely manage the street dog scenario. The search for appropriate land is now a top priority, as the civic body works to translate the Supreme Court's directive into tangible infrastructure that balances public concern with animal welfare.
