AMC begins dog count; 1.96L sterilized in seven years for ₹18.8cr

Ahmedabad: As the city works towards the Zero by 30 target to eliminate rabies deaths among humans by the year 2030, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Wednesday released data showing that its Cattle Nuisance Control (CNCD) Department has sterilized 1,96,894 stray dogs over the past seven years at a total cost of Rs 18.8 crore. A random survey in 2019 had put the total number of strays at 210,000. “More than 80% of the stray dog population has been sterilized. This, combined with anti-rabies vaccinations, are key to controlling their population,” an official said.

The AMC has claimed that fewer puppies are seen now in societies and neighbourhoods as a result of the mass sterilizations. “Their numbers have nearly halved from 6-7 to 2-3,” an AMC release stated. Officials said that stray dogs usually live up to 13 years and the ones currently seen are older dogs.

Under the Zero by 30 initiative, long-, medium- and short-term plans have been chalked out. These also include a scientific count. AMC, on April 4, started a ward-wise count. The counting has been completed in the Behrampura ward, where 4,906 strays — 3,019 sterilized males and 1,467 sterilized females — were recorded. Additionally, 224 unsterilized males, 105 unsterilized females, 63 puppies, 23 lactating females and five ‘unknown’ dogs were also recorded, according to AMC data.
During the count, AMC teams will also collect the dogs’ vaccination status. Information on unsterilized stray dogs found will be added to a mobile application with location details to facilitate their vaccination and sterilization planning. Norms call for at least 70% annual vaccination coverage in dogs and adopting the Centre’s One Health approach that links animal, human, and environmental health and is the larger goal behind the Zero by 30 target.