Dog Bite Cases Surge in Pune, Averaging 2,000 Incidents Monthly
Pune, 12th December 2024: The increasing presence of stray dogs in Pune has become a significant concern for residents. Over the past nine months, more than 18,000 citizens in Pune have suffered dog bites. In comparison, 14,073 incidents were reported between January and August 2023, indicating a rise in such cases. Citizens have called on the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take stricter measures to control the stray dog population.
The statistics reveal that, on average, around 2,000 citizens are bitten by dogs each month. This alarming trend underscores the need for pedestrians and residents to exercise caution, especially when walking along pathways or alleys in the city. Many are questioning when the PMC will take serious steps to address this growing issue. Despite the large number of incidents, the PMC’s health department claims it is actively vaccinating and sterilizing stray dogs to mitigate the problem.
Dog Bite Statistics (2024)
– January: 1,973
– February: 2,093
– March: 1,961
– April: 1,920
– May: 2,839
– June: 2,199
– July: 2,012
– August: 1,937
– September: 2,026
From January to September 2024, a total of 18,960 dog bite cases were reported, averaging 2,000 incidents per month. Upon receiving complaints of stray dog bites, the concerned dogs are tested for rabies and are only released back to their habitats if found rabies-free. PMC health officials vaccinate and sterilize 4,500 to 5,000 dogs monthly to prevent further cases.
Dr. Nina Borade, Health Chief at PMC, stated that the city’s dogs are registered online, and the vaccination and sterilization programs are ongoing. However, she emphasized that without timely preventive measures after a dog bite, there remains a risk of rabies, reinforcing the need for continuous vigilance and action.
