Thimphu: The Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program (ADPM & RCP) under the Department of Livestock conducted the door-to-door pet dog census from 29 September to 1 October 2021. The census was conducted using the Epicollect5 mobile application.
As per the census, a total of 7292 pet dogs (3838 male and 3454 female) were registered in Thimphu as of 3 October 2021. It recorded that 3831 (52%) pet dogs in Thimphu are sterilised with about 3461 (48%) of unsterilised pet dogs. There are 1286 (18%) free roaming pet dogs, out of which 530 dogs are unsterilised. The census further recorded the highest no. of registered dogs in Babesa Demkhong with 992 pet dogs followed by Mewang gewog with 933 pet dogs.
The Department would like to extend our gratitude to the De-Suung Office, local government and the general public for rendering their support and cooperation in making the pet dog census successful.
As the Department will be initiating a mass Microchipping campaign for pet dogs from 11-16 October 2021, we earnestly look forward to receiving similar support from relevant authorities and the general public.
One of the sources of stray dog population growth is the free-roaming unsterilised pet dogs. Substantial number of free-roaming unsterilised pet dogs on top of the huge number of stray dogs is a great concern to authority responsible for dog population management.
Note: Those pet owners who have missed the pet dog census are requested to call our toll-free number 1244 (24×7) and ensure their pet dogs are registered before the start of the microchipping campaign.
– Department of Livestock
