Pune Citizens’ Group Urges PMC to Act on Rising Stray Dog Incidents
Pune, 11th August 2025: The Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), a volunteer-based citizens’ group, has written to Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram, seeking urgent measures to address the growing problem of stray dog-related incidents in the city.
In its letter dated August 11, 2025, PPCR highlighted a steady increase in dog bites, traffic accidents, and public safety hazards linked to stray dogs in several parts of Pune. The group has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to implement a comprehensive and humane stray dog management programme.
Referring to the recent Supreme Court directions to authorities in Delhi on rounding up stray dogs, housing them in monitored shelters, and enforcing strict oversight, PPCR stressed the need for Pune to adopt similar systematic measures.
“Pune is a rapidly growing metropolitan city with increasing population density and shrinking open spaces. Without structured interventions, stray dog-related incidents are likely to rise. We request the PMC to formulate and execute a city-wide plan in line with judicial guidelines,” said Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Lead and Coordinator of PPCR.
The group’s recommendations include:
Expanding and strengthening shelter infrastructure with humane conditions.
Installing CCTV cameras in all shelters for accountability.
Launching a coordinated city-wide capture and relocation drive.
Issuing public advisories on the legal consequences of obstructing such operations.
PPCR assured civic authorities of public cooperation in the initiative.
“This is a joint responsibility. While the administration must take proactive measures, citizens must also follow safe practices and support stray dog management drives,” said Manoj Pochat, Co-Lead of PPCR.
The group said it will continue urging residents through its volunteer network to work with the PMC in ensuring public safety while maintaining humane treatment for animals.
