Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: In a landmark move to address the growing stray dog population, the Odisha government has announced a statewide sterilisation and vaccination campaign targeting approximately seven lakh stray dogs, in compliance with recent Supreme Court guidelines.

Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick on Saturday said that the state government will implement the court’s directives “in letter and spirit.” The initiative aims to control the stray dog population, reduce health risks, and promote safer coexistence between humans and animals.

According to official figures, the state has around 64,000 domestic dogs in addition to the seven lakh strays. All dogs will undergo sterilisation and rabies vaccination. Those found to be aggressive or infected will be housed in shelters, while healthy dogs will be released back into their original locations.

Urban local bodies have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. NGOs and animal welfare volunteers will assist with feeding and vaccination efforts at designated zones, avoiding random roadside feeding. Mallick emphasized that feeding should occur only in identified areas to ensure public safety and hygiene.

A fresh census will be conducted to update the stray dog count. Citizens are encouraged to report injured dogs via the toll-free number 1962, enabling timely rescue and treatment.

To further regulate stray dog activity, fish and meat shops will be required to operate only in designated zones and dispose of waste responsibly. This measure aims to prevent scavenging and reduce the attraction of strays to public areas.