Pune: Stray Dogs Bite Thousands Every Year in Pimpri-Chinchwad; Over 8,000 Cases in Last Three Months Alone
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 15th July 2025: The stray dog menace in Pimpri-Chinchwad continues to grow, with a shocking statistic coming to light, over 1.5 lakh dog bite incidents have occurred in the city over the past ten years. According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), there are approximately one lakh stray dogs in the city.
Improper disposal of leftover and stale food by Chinese food vendors, meat sellers, hoteliers, and residents in garbage bins, drains, and open areas has contributed to the growing stray dog population. These dogs often chase vehicles and pedestrians at night, creating panic and leading to accidents as motorists speed up to escape. Dog bite cases, especially involving children, have been steadily increasing.
Data from the past nine years indicates that between 10,000 to 28,000 dog bite cases are reported annually. Despite the municipal corporation spending crores on sterilization surgeries, each costing Rs 1,000, the stray dog population continues to rise.
In total, 1,50,176 people have been bitten by dogs in Pimpri-Chinchwad over the past nine years. The annual figures show a steady rise: 10,533 in 2016–17, 13,558 in 2017–18, 14,842 in 2018–19, 12,751 in 2019–20, 13,832 in 2020–21, 13,892 in 2021–22, 18,500 in 2022–23, 24,169 in 2023–24, and 28,099 in 2024–25. Additionally, in just the first three months of the current financial year, 8,335 dog bite cases have already been recorded.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Khot, who is in charge of PCMC’s Veterinary Department, stated that the number of cages at the dog sterilization center in Nehrunagar has been increased. Efforts are also underway to strengthen the department’s manpower. Sixteen posts have been filled, including veterinary officers, health inspectors, livestock supervisors, and members of the dog-catching squad. He added that the number of sterilization surgeries is also being ramped up.
