The initial stage of Mangaluru’s pioneering scientific survey of stray dogs is close to completion. The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC), in partnership with Animal Care Trust (ACT), Shaktinagar, the veterinary and animal husbandry department, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), is spearheading this initiative to accurately gauge the stray dog population within city limits.

ACT trustee Suma Nayak emphasized that this is the first structured census of stray dogs in the city, designed to provide precise insights into their numbers, sterilisation coverage, and living conditions across different wards. She highlighted that if conducted yearly, the survey could help monitor population changes and enable a well-organized, data-driven approach to managing street dog-related concerns. ACT is also responsible for executing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in Mangaluru.

In Phase 1, volunteers outlined mapping routes across all 60 wards. Over the past five days, WVS staff and ACT members worked tirelessly to finalise these pathways. The second phase, starting February 9, will involve on-ground surveys, where volunteers will ride two-wheelers along designated routes. A total of 120 volunteers are needed, with training sessions planned.

Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the veterinary department, stated that this census will enhance the execution of ABC and rabies vaccination drives. Mangaluru is also set to join Mission Rabies, supporting India’s goal of eradicating rabies by 2030.

Volunteers can contact ACT at 9902253064 before February 6.