It is estimated that India has a stray dog population of approximately 35 million (World Health Organization (WHO))

The stray dog is a human-created phenomenon. A combination of poor waste management, uncontrolled  breeding of desirable dog breeds,  and irresponsible  pet dog ownership.

Open rubbish dumps in the middle of towns contribute towards sustaining a population of malnourished and sick dogs.

A single female can have two litters of eight puppies each year. So it is estimated that each female can give rise to 67,000 dogs if all her puppies also reproduce. Although, this is rare as about 75% of the puppies will die from disease, starvation, or being hit by road vehicles.

Stray Dog scavenging from rubbish

 A stray dog scavenging from rubbish –  a common sight in India.

How pet dogs add to the stray dog problem

Pet dog owners must take responsibility too. Unsterilised pets that freely roam the streets cause many problems, including contributing towards the stray dog population; 

  • Male pets fight with stray males and get injured, or cause injuries. 
  • Male pets are responsible for many pregnancies and births of stray dogs. 
  • Female pets that are allowed to roam while on heat get pregnant, then their owners dump the puppies on the street.  

India does not need any more unwanted street dogs. If you are a pet dog parent, please get your dog sterilised. 

Another issue that adds to the problem is the uncontrolled breeding of foreign breeds.  Everybody wants a Labrador, pug. boxer, husky, etc. Many of these breeds are unsuitable for the climate of India and suffer as a consequence.  The street dogs have mixed genes, making them much less prone to the multitude of genetic disorders that breed dogs are afflicted with. They also make great pets, if only people would give them a chance.

In addition, pet dogs are frequently abandoned on the streets when owners no longer want them, or when they do not know how to care for the dog properly, especially if it suddenly becomes sick.

If you are looking to add a dog to your family, consider adopting a street dog or a dog from your local animal rescue organisation, like Manali Strays

Desirable Breed Dogs

Stray Dogs - collage of breed dogs

Street Dogs

Stray Dogs - collage of street dogs

Breed dogs vs. street dogs. Street dogs are just as intelligent, loyal, and cute as the “breed” dogs above. In fact they are more unique with far superior genetic make-up. The street dogs are usually a mix of indigenous Indie breeds and imported foreign breeds