The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to kick off a city-wide stray dog census next week, beginning in the Paldi ward and eventually covering all 48 wards. This initiative comes after a Supreme Court order issued on August 11, 2025, mandating civic authorities nationwide to manage free-ranging dogs by humanely relocating them to shelters.
Rising concerns over dog bite incidents prompted the court’s directive. With almost 5,000 dog bites reported monthly—around 180 each day—public health experts are worried about rabies risks, especially for children and the elderly.
Three teams of volunteers have been prepared for this task. They’ll start in Paldi and aim to complete the census across the city within nine months. If necessary, additional teams can be mobilized.
A mobile app will facilitate real-time data collection during the census. Each stray dog will be geo-tagged alongside photographs and details including age, gender, and health status. Puppies under six months will be classified separately. The sterilisation status will help determine their routing into the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program.
Of an estimated population of over 210,000 stray dogs in Ahmedabad, AMC reports that around 190,000 have already been sterilised. However, infrastructure remains a significant challenge; currently, there are only six to eight operational shelters with capacity for about 10,000 animals combined. AMC officials acknowledge that at least a dozen new shelters along with expanded ABC facilities are needed.
A pilot survey conducted at GLS University and IITRAM showed both campuses successfully managed their stray dog populations through controlled access and monitoring.
Local residents have voiced concerns about packs of aggressive dogs roaming neighborhoods during early mornings and late nights—making parents, seniors, and delivery workers particularly vulnerable.
Civic activists attribute the influx of strays into residential areas to improper garbage disposal and accessible food waste. To tackle these issues effectively, AMC plans to integrate findings from this census with intensified sterilisation drives as well as public awareness initiatives aimed at improving waste management practices throughout the city.