Top-5 Indian States with the Highest Number of Stray Dogs per 1,000 Person

Stray dogs are commonly seen across Indian cities and villages, becoming a familiar part of everyday life. However, their rising population often raises concerns about public safety and animal welfare. The number of stray dogs is not the same everywhere, as some states record much higher concentrations than others. In this article, we explore the top five Indian states with the largest number of stray dogs per 1,000 people.

Top-5 Indian States with the Highest Number of Stray Dogs per 1,000 Person

Stray dogs are a common sight in many parts of India—but some states have particularly high numbers when adjusted for population. Let’s explore the top five states with the most stray dogs per 1,000 people, explain why this matters, and keep things easy to understand.

Here are the names of top-5 Indian states with the highest number of stray dogs per 1,000 person:

• Odisha
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Kerala

Odisha, State with the Highest Number of Stray Dogs

Odisha has the highest stray dog density in India—about 39–40 dogs per 1,000 people. That means you might see one stray dog for every 25 people. Poor waste management, lack of sterilization, and easy food sources in markets and streets have allowed their numbers to grow quickly, creating both safety and health concerns.

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir has around 22.9 stray dogs per 1,000 people, which is quite high. Tourists and locals often see them in towns and near markets. Cold weather doesn’t seem to reduce their numbers, as leftover food from households and shops gives them plenty to survive on. Dog bite incidents have also become more common here.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has the largest total stray dog population in India—over 20 lakh dogs. While its population is huge, the number of dogs per 1,000 people is still high in many towns. Open garbage dumps, leftover food on streets, and lack of control programs have allowed their population to keep increasing, causing both nuisance and safety risks.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra reports a high number of stray dogs, especially in big cities like Mumbai and Pune. These areas see frequent dog bite cases, often due to dogs living near garbage piles or construction sites. The combination of urban crowding, food waste, and limited sterilization programs has made it hard to reduce their population effectively.

Kerala

Kerala faces a growing stray dog problem with around 2.5 lakh dogs. Many roam freely in towns, beaches, and rural areas. Tourists and locals have raised concerns about frequent bite cases. While the state has started sterilization and vaccination drives, progress is slow, and the population continues to cause challenges for public health and safety.