Pune: Stray Dog Population May Cross 2.5 Lakh, PMC Plans Fresh Census

Pune, 23rd May 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stated that it is already implementing the Supreme Court’s guidelines concerning sick, terminally ill, and rabid dogs, while intensifying measures for the vaccination, sterilisation, and monitoring of stray dogs across the city.

Speaking about the steps being taken by the civic body, Dr Sarika Bhosale-Funde said no suspected rabid dog case has been reported in Pune city so far this year.

Her statement comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s recent observations suggesting that civic authorities may consider euthanasia by injection for incurably ill, diseased, and rabid dogs.

According to PMC officials, information regarding stray dogs roaming near schools, colleges, playgrounds, and other public places has been collected. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted among students, teachers, and school authorities on dog bites and rabies prevention.

The civic body has constructed shelters for stray dogs where vaccination and temporary holding arrangements are being carried out. However, officials said sterilisation drives face limitations in certain cases depending on the age and weight of the dogs caught during operations.

PMC officials said the last stray dog census, conducted in 2023, estimated Pune city’s stray dog population at around 1.8 lakh. However, with the inclusion of newly merged villages, the actual number is now believed to have crossed 2.5 lakh. The civic body is planning to conduct a fresh dog census soon.

Dr Bhosale-Funde said the administration is placing major emphasis on sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination. While no dog deaths due to rabies have been recorded in Pune city this year, two rabies-infected dogs were found in January and April, and both later died.

Officials also pointed out that a large number of rabies patients from rural areas surrounding Pune come to the city for treatment. Although no rabies-related human death was recorded among Pune residents in 2025, PMC data shows that 10 patients from outside the city who came to Pune for treatment died due to rabies.

According to officials, many dog-bite victims delay seeking treatment after being bitten, which increases the risk of developing rabies symptoms. Once symptoms appear, saving the patient becomes extremely difficult.