Stray dog population in Kozhikode doubles since 2018; ABC programme curbs surge

A recent survey by National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, has estimated that there are 28,510 stray dogs within the Kozhikode Corporation limits, indicating that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme has played a significant role in containing the surge in numbers.

The survey was carried out in 28 of the total 76 wards in the Corporation area. Using established statistical tools, the overall stray dog population was projected based on data collected from these wards. The preliminary report has been handed over to the Corporation.

In the previous survey conducted in 2018, the stray dog population was recorded at 13,182. While the latest figure indicates that the number has more than doubled, officials associated with the study said the current estimate was still relatively low compared to what it could have been without intervention.

According to an official involved in preparing the report, natural population growth is expected in any species. “If the ABC programme had not been implemented, the number of stray dogs would have reached into the lakhs. A single female dog, through successive generations of her offspring, can potentially give whelping (birth) to around 1,175 puppies within a span of five years,” the official said.

“The availability of food plays a crucial role in the rise in stray dog numbers. If food is easily available, the population will naturally increase,” the official added.

The survey also noted a decline in the percentage of lactating dogs. In 2018, lactating dogs accounted for 24.2% of the population, whereas in 2026 the figure had dropped to 15.51%. This is seen as an indication of a possible reduction in the number of puppies.

Among the dogs identified in the survey, 42% had already undergone the ABC procedure. Officials said this suggests that the sterilisation drive has had an impact in curbing unchecked growth, even though the overall population increased between 2018 and 2026.

V.S. Sreeshma, veterinary surgeon, Kozhikode Corporation, said that significant control over the stray dog population could be achieved only if the ABC programme was implemented continuously for at least 10 years. “For this purpose, 75% of the dogs need to undergo the ABC procedure. The ABC programme has been under implementation in Kozhikode for more than five years, and it will take another five years to achieve the target,” Ms. Sreeshma said.

Experts also cautioned against calls to eliminate stray dogs. As scavenging animals, they play a role in maintaining ecological balance. Officials warned that completely removing them could lead to a rise in other species, such as rodents, potentially increasing the spread of diseases.

Maintaining stray dogs within their respective territories, along with strengthening the ABC programme and vaccination drives, has been described as the most practical solution.

The preliminary report identified Naduvattom, Beypore, and Puthiyappa as areas with a high density of stray dogs within the Corporation limits. The final report, with detailed ward-wise data and recommendations, will be submitted shortly.