The number of stray dogs in Sofia has declined by 2 607 from 2011, according to a recent count by local NGOs.

The counting took place between September 18 and October 24. The total number of homeless dogs in the Bulgarian capital is reported to be 6 635, writes Dnevnik.bg.

The highest population of dogs roam around the Kremikovtsi, Krasna Polyana, Pancharevo, and Liulin neighborhoods. The lowest count was registered in the center of the city.

"There is a large group of dogs, which we cannot determine if they have been castrated, since their markings have faded", said Yavor Gechev, a communications director in a local animal-protection NGO.

A municipal council program, which was launched in 2011, envisions Sofia's stray dog population to be reduced by 95% by 2016.

Last year, Sofia opened its first animal shelter, which has a capacity of 1 000. Another one is expected to open within a few months.

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