Bengaluru
The latest census report from the Brihat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reveals a notable reduction in the number of stray dogs across the city, with a decrease of 29,645 since the 2019 census. According to BBMP officials, the total stray dog population in the city now stands at 2,79,355, distributed across the eight zones under BBMP jurisdiction, including East, West, South, Mahadevpur, Dasarahalli, Bommanahalli, RR Nagar, and Yalahanka. The East Zone reports the highest concentration, with approximately 48,000 stray dogs, followed closely by the West Zone with around 45,000, and the South Zone with roughly 30,000. Notably, Mahadevpur and Bommanahalli zones face a particular challenge due to the absence of facilities for Animal Birth Control (ABC). The suburban areas are also a concern, given their rapid expansion and the emergence of new, large populations of stray dogs. Experts warn that without proactive measures such as ABC, the number of strays may surge in the coming years. In an effort to gather accurate data, BBMP and the Animal Husbandry Department deployed staff equipped with drones to capture images of stray dogs near lakes. The census operation involved 50 teams, each consisting of two members, who covered a distance of 5 km. This significant reduction in the stray dog population is seen as a positive step towards addressing issues related to stray animals in Bengaluru, and authorities are now focusing on implementing effective measures to ensure a continued decline in their numbers.
