Pune: PMC To Conduct Stray Dog Census Across City, 32 Newly Added Villages
Pune, 28th July 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the process to conduct a fresh census of stray dogs across Pune, including the 32 villages recently incorporated into the civic limits.
The census is expected to take nearly a year to complete and will provide an updated estimate of the city’s stray dog population. The PMC has invited tenders for the exercise, which is expected to cost around ₹25 lakh.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing stray dog population, dog sterilisation and vaccination programmes, and frequent complaints about dog attacks and cruelty against animals.
According to civic officials, the agency selected to conduct the census will have to develop an application to facilitate the exercise. The survey will cover stray dogs found across lanes, roads, housing societies and other public spaces within the PMC limits.
The census will cover both the old PMC limits and the expanded civic jurisdiction, including the 32 villages that were brought under the municipal corporation.
The PMC has undertaken the exercise in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court concerning the management and welfare of stray dogs. The court has also issued guidelines regarding measures to be adopted by civic authorities, including arrangements for designated feeding spots.
Dr Sarika Phunde, veterinary officer, PMC, said the civic body had conducted a stray dog census in 2023, when around 1.79 lakh stray dogs were recorded in the city.
“Since then, 32 villages have been merged into the PMC limits. In view of this expansion and the directions issued by the Supreme Court, including the creation of designated food spots for stray dogs and other measures, a fresh census will now be conducted,” Phunde said.
The updated data is expected to help the civic administration plan vaccination, sterilisation and other stray dog management measures more effectively.
The PMC’s decision comes against the backdrop of recurring disputes over stray dogs in the city. While residents have raised concerns over dog attacks and the growing population, animal welfare concerns have also been raised over cases of cruelty and attacks on stray dogs.
