Dog Census In Bhubaneswar From September 17; BMC Forms Teams

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to launch a comprehensive stray dog census amid sharp increase in the population of the animals.

Officials said the headcount exercise will be conducted in two phases between September 17 and 24 in the capital city for which teams have been formed for each zone, ward, and street. Altogether 410 teams have been assigned to conduct the exercise.

The survey will be conducted every day from 5 am to 7 pm under the supervision of skilled veterinarians. The process will be overseen by Supervisors, Sanitary Inspectors, SMTAs, DEOs, COs, and Ward Officers. BMC has allocated a total of Rs 12 lakh for the census programme.

Noting that dog census had been conducted long ago, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana said the authorities do not have the data about the exact number of dogs in the corporation area at present. The survey aims to obtain accurate data through a scientific process, he said.

Proper training has been imparted for three days to the personnel engaged for the census to ensure accurate monitoring of stray dog movements. The survey will help identify the number of dogs in each ward and the BMC will be able to provide food and vaccinations to the animals as required, officials said.