Alarming Rise in Dog Bites Grips Pune: Over 20,000 Incidents in 2023
Pune, 19th December 2023: Pune city is grappling with a surge in dog bite incidents, leaving citizens fearful of stray dogs roaming the streets. Over 20,000 cases have been reported in the first eleven months of the year, averaging seven incidents daily. Municipal records indicate a staggering 1,79,940 stray dogs in the city, with 85,133 having undergone sterilization. The alarming spike in dog bites shows a worrying trend, with 2021 recording 12,024 incidents and 2022 seeing 16,569 cases.
A comprehensive study project initiated in 2023 aims to accurately estimate the stray dog population. Additionally, a National Action Plan for Rabies Eradication envisions a rabies-free India by 2030, though Pune reported 70 positive rabies cases last year and 11 as of March 2023.
Residents express growing concern over the issue, citing personal experiences of dog bites affecting their families. Despite efforts to control the stray dog population, citizens question the effectiveness of existing measures.
Veterinary Superintendent Dr. Sarika Phunde stated, “The reported cases extend beyond municipal limits and include admissions to Naidu Hospital. Despite reductions in stray dog numbers, dog bites persist, both from strays and domestic dogs. A substantial vaccination drive is underway, aligning with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for rabies eradication in the country. The city aims for complete rabies eradication by 2030.”
Challenges have escalated with the recent merger of 34 villages into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The municipality seeks assistance from animal lovers and citizens for sterilization efforts, acknowledging limitations in sterilizing puppies under six months old, according to Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Health Officer, PMC.
