Stray Dog Population Explodes, Sterilisation Infra Falls Short

Every year, 12-15 rabies-infected dogs are reported while over 100 people seek treatment

- MAYANK BHUSAN PANI @Sambalpur

The stray dog menace in Sambalpur city continues to grow unchecked, with their population well past 10,000, exposing both residents and livestock to frequent attacks and rising risk of rabies.

While sterilisation programmes have been in place since 2015, lack of attention, poor infrastructure and tardy administrative processes have hindered efforts to bring the situation under control.

According to official records, in 2020, the city had around 8,000 stray dogs and the number is believed to have increased significantly in the last five years. Every year, 12-15 rabies-infected dogs are reported, while over 100 people on an average seek treatment for dog bites at the district headquarters hospital.