Pune, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse communities, is currently grappling with a pressing issue: the increasing population of stray dogs. This challenge affects various segments of the population, including women, children, senior citizens, and two-wheeler riders. While there have been no reported fatalities attributed to rabies, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking proactive measures to manage this situation.
Recently, Vikram Kumar, the Municipal Commissioner of PMC, convened a crucial review meeting to address the burgeoning issue of stray dogs in the city. In attendance were key officials, including Ravindra Binwade, Additional Commissioner, Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Veterinary Officer, and Sarika Funde.
Despite a notable decrease in the number of registered dogs, which decreased from 315,000 in 2018 to 179,940 in 2023, the problem of stray dogs continues to persist. Numerous residents have reported injuries resulting from dog attacks, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
During the meeting, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar stressed the need to expedite the sterilization drive for stray dogs and proposed the appointment of two additional institutions to facilitate this process. PMC is actively working to collect information about pet dogs within the city and offer affordable vaccination services to effectively curb the spread of rabies among canines.
Ravindra Binwade, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, revealed that the commissioner also proposed engaging institutions to accelerate the sterilization of stray dogs and provide essential medical attention to ailing canines.
It is worth noting that, from 2021 to August 2023, there have been no reported deaths caused by rabies within PMC’s jurisdiction. However, outside the municipal limits, authorities have confirmed 52 fatalities resulting from rabies among individuals who sought treatment in Pune after being bitten by dogs. Recent statistics pertaining to dog bite incidents in the city are as follows: 12,024 incidents in 2021, 16,569 incidents in 2022, and 14,072 incidents as of August 2023.
As PMC conducts these review meetings and formulates strategies to address the issue of stray dogs, it is evident that the city is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
