In a survey carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to analyse the population of stray dogs, it has been revealed that Mumbai’s street dog population has declined by 21% in the past decade.
According to the report, in 2014, the total number of street dogs in Mumbai stood at 95,172 accounting to 10.54 dogs for every kilometre. While in 2024, the numbers stood at 90,757 which stands at 8.01 dogs per km. The survey was carried out by Human Society Internationale/India (HSI/India) and a total road length or 930 km has been surveyed for the same.
Furthermore, the report showed that while dog population declined by an average of 31% in 19 municipal wards, it increased by 19.9% in four municipal wards–E (Byculla), N (Ghatkopar), R south (Kandivali) and T (Mulund). In D (Malabar Hill) ward, the population remained the same. In K/west (Andheri, Juhu) the population of stray dogs declined by 70%, followed by 68% at H/west (Bandra west) and 59% at H/east (Bandra east). Meanwhile, the highest increase in population was recorded at T ward by 37%, followed by 22% at E ward.
Civic officials said that to keep the dog population in check, sterilisation was taken up in the past ten years. The BMC’s data show that out of the total population, 30% of the female dogs are sterilised, while 31% of the male dogs are also sterilised. In 2014, 19% of the male dogs were sterilised, while 46% of the female dogs were also sterilised.
Civic officials said that each female dog can give birth to a maximum number of four puppies annually. “The reason behind the decline in population of street dogs is sterilisation of animals. The process of sterilisation increases the survival rate and reduces the chances of man-animal conflict. Also, keeping the dog population in check prevents spread of diseases like rabies,” said an official.
The report stated that post-Covid period, there has been an uptick of dog bite complaints in Mumbai. Usually, most of these complaints are registered during August-September months which are usually the breeding season of the animals.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd