Mumbai’s stray dog population has dropped by 21% over the last ten years, according to a survey conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Humane Society International/India (HSI/India). The study covered 930 km of Mumbai’s streets.
In 2014, the city had 95,172 stray dogs, averaging 10.54 dogs per km. By 2024, the number fell to 90,757, with 8.01 dogs per km. The survey found that dog density per thousand people decreased from 7.66 in 2014 to about four in 2024.
The study recorded variations in different municipal wards. The number of dogs increased in four wards: E (Byculla), N (Ghatkopar), R South (Kandivali), and T (Mulund). The T ward had the highest rise of 37%, followed by the E ward with 22%.
In contrast, 19 wards saw a 31% average decline. The K/West ward (Andheri, Juhu) saw a 70% drop, while H/West (Bandra West) recorded a 68% decrease. H/East (Bandra East) saw a 59% decline. The population in D ward (Malabar Hill) remained unchanged.
BMC officials credit the decline to sterilisation programmes. Over the past decade, sterilisation rates have changed. In 2014, 46% of female dogs and 19% of male dogs were sterilised. By 2024, 31% of males and 30% of females had undergone sterilisation.
Between 2014 and 2024, the percentage of sterilised dogs dropped from 73.8% to 62.9%. Meanwhile, the percentage of lactating females declined to 7.1%, while the number of puppies increased to 4.3%.
Sterilisation helps control the population by preventing excessive breeding. Controlling the birth rate improves survival chances and reduces human-animal conflicts. It also lowers the risk of rabies and other diseases.
Despite the overall decline, Mumbai has seen a rise in dog bite complaints since the COVID-19 pandemic. As per reports, most cases are reported in August and September, which coincide with the breeding season.
The survey also examined dog density in slums. In these areas, there were 224 dogs per square kilometre. This means stray dog density has fallen by 21.8% on the streets and 27.4% in slums over the past 10 years.
BMC started its sterilisation programme in 1994. Since 1997, the city has recorded an overall decline in dog-related complaints and bite cases.
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