Bhubaneswar has reported a total of 47,126 stray dogs, according to the latest census conducted across all 67 wards under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The figure highlights the growing challenge of managing the city’s stray dog population, which remains significantly above both the national and state averages.

As per the survey findings, the national average stands at 11 stray dogs per 1,000 people, while Odisha’s average is 39 per 1,000. In comparison, Bhubaneswar records 36 stray dogs per 1,000 residents. With an estimated human population of nearly 13 lakh, the city’s stray population accounts for about 3.62 per cent of its total populace.

Detailed Ward-Wise and Gender-Wise Data

The BMC’s report indicates that, on average, there are around 703 stray dogs per ward. Among the total stray dog population, 23,047 are male, 18,887 are female, and 1,124 are pups. So far, out of a total, 4,068 male and 3,335 female dogs have been sterilised within the BMC area.

The counting exercise was conducted in two phases from September 18 to 25, covering all municipal zones of Bhubaneswar.

Mayor Highlights Rising Numbers

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das said, “From the results that we received, the total number of stray dogs in Bhubaneswar is 47,126. The human population of Bhubaneswar is nearly 13 lakh. The dog population is 3.62 per cent compared to the human population, which is higher than the national and state averages. A national survey shows there are 11 dogs per 1,000 people, and for the state, it is 39 per 1,000, but in Bhubaneswar, it is 36.”

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She further added, “The male stray dog population is 27,115, and the female population is 18,887. Around 23,047 male dogs need to be sterilised.”