PMC plans stray dog census, to survey spots with high population of canines

Pune: The PMC plans to conduct a stray dog census and survey spots with a high population of community canines. Civic officials said they plant to speed up the activity in the aftermath of Supreme Court directives issued on Tuesday this week.Sarika Funde, head of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) veterinary department, said, “We are following apex court directives. The survey of stray dogs is being carried out near locations such as schools, hospitals and food joints, where they are seen in large numbers, only to determine the population. PMC has initiated the process to finalise an agency for the census. We will also urge citizens and dog lovers to help in this initiative.”The last stray dog census was held in 2023, said civic officials, adding that as per primary estimates, there are around 80,000 stray canines in PMC limits at present. Civic officials also said around 100 designated spots have been identified for feeding of community dogs, with details of these shared on social media, email and in person with feeders.SC on Tuesday instructed states to set up at least one animal birth control (ABC) centre in each district to sterilise dogs and control the population. It also instructed high courts to register suo motu cases to monitor implementation of its order and ensure compliance in their jurisdiction with its Aug and Nov 2025 directions, wherein dogs only in some spots like hospitals and railway stations will be moved into shelters. The court also said no FIR or criminal court proceedings should be initiated against officials implementing directives, but can be initiated in cases of gross abuse of authority, mala fides or non-compliance with court orders.Meanwhile, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) officials said that among the key changes civic bodies will have to take for stray dogs as per SC guidelines is setting up proper shelters. “We have finalised places for four shelter homes and a related process has been initiated,” a senior PCMC official said. These shelters will be used to keep stray dogs away only from some locations like hospitals and schools, as directed by SC.PCMC officials also claimed that sterilisation and anti-rabies initiatives have been stepped up. According to data shared by the civic body earlier, 47,272 stray dogs were sterilised in financial year 2025-26, while around 1.3 lakh were administered anti-rabies vaccine.