Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 8: For the first time, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) will conduct a comprehensive survey of stray dogs in the city. Though the law mandates such a survey for stray dog population control, it had not been implemented in Mangaluru until now. To address this, the corporation has decided to initiate the survey.

The survey will be conducted in collaboration with Animal Care Trust, Shaktinagar, and Worldwide Veterinary Service. Mapping of all 60 wards has already been completed in preparation for the survey.

The survey will be carried out using a mobile application across all 60 wards of the city. A minimum of 120 volunteers will be required for this initiative, and the registration process is currently underway. Each team will consist of two members—one to drive the vehicle and the other to identify and upload data related to stray dogs. Each team will cover one ward over three days.

The collected data will include geo-tagged images of stray dogs, gender identification, details on sterilization status, and the number of puppies. Each team will be assigned a specific distance to cover daily.

To ensure accuracy, the survey will be conducted during early morning hours, between 5:30 am and 8 am, when stray dogs are most visible. The Worldwide Veterinary Service will analyse the collected data and is expected to submit the final report by the end of March.

A separate team will be deployed to conduct the survey in areas where two-wheelers cannot reach. These surveyors will collect data by traveling on foot.

"As the survey requires over 120 volunteers, we have approached schools and colleges to involve students in this initiative. So far, around 60 volunteers have registered, and the public is also encouraged to participate. A training session for volunteers is scheduled for February 9," said Suma Nayak from Animal Care Trust.

The survey will be conducted from February 10 to 13, between 5:30 am and 8 am. Volunteers who will be riding bikes must possess a valid driving license. Interested individuals can register by filling out the Google form at https://forms.gle/av3tYmKUk5FXmP7i7. 

Mayor Manoj Kumar confirmed that the survey preparations are in full swing, with the MCC, Animal Care Trust, and Worldwide Veterinary Service working together to execute the initiative.