Gujarat ranks ninth in India for stray dog population, with an estimated 8.5 lakh dogs roaming its streets — a growing concern in urban areas. The 2019 Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) survey projected a 2% annual rise in numbers.
Experts blame rapid urbanisation, rising garbage generation, and poor sterilisation efforts by civic bodies for the surge. With nearly half of Gujarat’s population living in cities, food waste has become a major food source for strays. The state’s 1,600 km coastline and marine waste have also contributed to the rise in coastal areas.
Between 2020 and 2024, Gujarat reported over 12.4 lakh dog-bite cases and several rabies deaths. The Supreme Court has taken note of increasing dog-bite incidents nationwide and summoned chief secretaries of all states to present control measures.
Nationally, Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 20.6 lakh stray dogs, followed by Odisha (17.3 lakh) and Maharashtra (12.8 lakh).
While sterilisation is the most effective way to control the population, only about 20% of stray dogs in Gujarat have been sterilised so far, against AWBI’s 70% target. The state now aims to sterilise 50% of stray dogs by 2026.
Experts cite examples from other states — Maharashtra saw a 20% drop in dog-bite cases after sterilisation drives, while Delhi’s 40% vaccination coverage led to fewer rabies cases.