Chennai Launches Comprehensive Stray Dog Census

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), in collaboration with the NGO World Veterinary Services (WVS), is set to embark on a comprehensive survey of the city’s stray dog population starting in July. This initiative aims to gather detailed data on the demographics and health status of the canine population in Chennai.

WVS, recognised for its effective dog population management in regions like Goa, Coimbatore, and Erode, will deploy over 50 volunteers alongside GCC’s malaria workers for this 60-day project. The survey will be conducted across the city’s 200 wards, which will be divided into 70 routes, each to be surveyed three times. Trained volunteers, equipped with cameras, will join malaria workers on motorcycles from 6am to 8am to document the movements and conditions of stray dogs.

The survey aims to collect approximately 600 samples, documenting critical details such as gender, Animal Birth Control (ABC) status, and disease prevalence. This information will be recorded in a specialised application. An official from WVS India’s Companion Animal Management division explained, “We will cover 30% of each ward and extrapolate the data. Stray dogs are predominantly found in densely populated areas due to the availability of food, so a complete mapping of the city is unnecessary. Our objective is to control the dog population through effective surveys followed by neutering. We will re-survey the routes next year to validate our findings.”

The GCC has allocated Rs 5 lakh for the survey, covering travel, accommodation, and fuel expenses for the surveyors. The collected data will include geo-tagged photos capturing dog details, surgeon information, and neutering status. Additionally, the NGO will document incidents of dog conflicts such as fights, chasing people, causing road accidents, barking, property damage, and friendly behaviour through interactions and site visits. The official stressed the importance of adequate budgets for sterilisation to ensure the program’s success.

In 2018, GCC’s last survey recorded approximately 58,000 stray dogs. However, subsequent unofficial estimates, adjusted for ABC surgeries, suggested the population might be closer to 100,000, a figure experts believe is significantly underestimated. A GCC official noted that this initiative represents the corporation’s first formal dog survey. “This survey will facilitate effective rabies vaccination and neutering efforts, ensuring accurate records are maintained,” the official stated.

This extensive survey is expected to provide critical insights into the stray dog population in Chennai, enabling the GCC and WVS to implement more effective management and control measures. The initiative highlights the importance of accurate data in addressing urban animal management issues and ensuring public safety and animal welfare.