Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reported that the city is home to 47,126 stray dogs, which make up about 3.62% of the state capital’s total population of around 13 lakh.

According to the official statement released on Monday, the stray population includes 23,047 males, 15,552 females, and 1,124 puppies. So far, 4,068 male and 3,335 female dogs have been sterilized under the ongoing animal birth control program.

The survey further revealed that Bhubaneswar has an average of 703 stray dogs per ward. In comparison, the national average stands at 11 stray dogs per 1,000 people, while Odisha’s average is 39 per 1,000. Bhubaneswar’s figure of 36 per 1,000 residents places it slightly below the state average but well above the national figure.

BMC officials stated that the census was conducted to collect accurate data for planning future animal birth control (ABC) initiatives and improving urban safety. Teams were deployed across all city zones to ensure comprehensive coverage and reliability of data.

Veterinary experts highlighted that sterilization is key to managing the stray population, noting that sterilized dogs are typically healthier and less aggressive, which helps reduce risks for both residents and animals.

Moving forward, the BMC plans to expand sterilization campaigns and strengthen partnerships with animal welfare organizations to better address the issue. The civic body has also appealed to citizens to practice responsible pet ownership and to avoid feeding stray dogs in public places without proper supervision.