Mumbai: BMC dog census to start after 1-year delay

BMC will also count number and breeds of pet dogs to check what kind of pets people tend to keep

Finally, after a delay of one year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a census of stray dogs and domestic animals on January 16. For the first time, the BMC will also count the number and breeds of pet dogs to check exactly what kind of pets people tend to keep. The census has been undertaken in collaboration with Humane Society International, Youth Organization in Defence of Animals, and Zimax Tech Solutions. Earlier, a survey of stray dogs and domestic animals was conducted in Mumbai in 2014. Stray dogs will be surveyed by Humane Society International while pets will be surveyed by Youth Organization in Defence of Animals and Zimax Tech Solutions.

The current number of stray dogs and pets in Mumbai will be known through this survey. It will also be compared with the figures of 2014. Accordingly, animal birth control programs will be planned for those areas where the number of stray dogs has increased, and necessary measures will be taken with the help of animal welfare organisations. "The survey's findings will provide insights into the current status of stray dogs, enabling necessary steps for improvement. Additionally, the pet survey will reveal the types of pets people have, shedding light on pet registration and the health status of the pets in Mumbai," said Dr Kalimpasha Pathan, general manager of Deonar Abattoir There were about 95,127 stray dogs in Mumbai in 2014, according to the census data. BMC officials claim that the number might have almost doubled now. Out of these 95,174 stray dogs, 25,935 were found to be unsterilised. Of these, 14,674 were male and 11,261 were female.

According to BMC officials, an unsterilised female dog can give birth to at least four puppies, and they become fertile within a year. Thus, the number of dogs has increased exponentially. It is estimated that there are currently about 1.64 lakh dogs in the city. A census will give the correct picture. A census is important not just for the number of dogs but also for the male and female ratio, their population in specific areas and the scope for sterilisation and vaccination. It all helps to control the number of dogs as well as the number of bites and any further health issues for humans.

Meanwhile, the civic body sterilised around 90,000 stray dogs since 2018. The city has been witnessing an average of 60,000 dog bite cases each year.

The city would report around 85,000 dog bite cases every year before COVID-19. While this number has reduced to around 60,000 cases per year after COVID-19; no particular reason was cited for the decline.

95,127
No. of stray dogs reported in the 2014 survey