Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to begin a comprehensive dog census across the city in the third week of September, aimed at collecting accurate data on both stray and pet dogs.

The initiative was confirmed by BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, who emphasized the need for verified data to guide future animal welfare and urban safety measures.

The census will span 7 to 10 days and cover all 67 wards of the city. Each ward will be assigned 3 to 4 teams comprising veterinary professionals, sanitation workers, and specially trained personnel. The focus will be on counting stray dogs, identifying pet dogs, and tagging animals for health tracking.

According to BMC officials, earlier surveys lacked precision, prompting the need for a fresh, ward-wise enumeration. The data collected will include vaccination status, sterilization records, and movement patterns. In cases where full coverage isn’t feasible, sample-based counting methods will be used.

The census will also support the city’s broader goals of rabies control and responsible pet ownership. Pet dogs will be registered under the BMC’s existing by-laws, and owners will be required to provide health documentation. The initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s directives on managing stray dog populations and aims to reduce incidents of dog bites and improve public safety.