PMC conducts review meetings to tackle growing problem of stray dogs
PMC conducts review meetings to tackle growing problem of stray dogs
By: Pune Pulse
October 27, 2023
Pune: The city is facing a growing problem of stray dogs, which is affecting various groups of people, including women, children, senior citizens, and two-wheeler riders. However, no fatalities have been reported due to rabies, as confirmed by the civic administration.
To address this issue, Vikram Kumar, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) held a review meeting with Ravindra Binwade, Additional Commissioner, Dr Bhagwan Pawar, Veterinary Officer and Sarika Funde. Despite a decrease in the number of registered dogs from 315,000 in 2018 to 179,940 in 2023, the problem of stray dogs persists, with many people sustaining injuries due to dog attacks.
During the meeting, Kumar emphasized the need to expedite the sterilization drive. He proposed appointing two additional institutions for this purpose. The city authorities are also planning to collect information on pet dogs and provide affordable vaccination services to effectively control the spread of rabies among dogs.
During the review meeting, the commissioner proposed the engagement of institutions to expedite the sterilization of stray dogs and provide medical attention to ailing canines, as stated by Ravindra Binwade, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation.
It is worth noting that there have been no reported deaths caused by rabies within the PMC boundaries from 2021 to August 2023. Nevertheless, authorities have confirmed 52 fatalities resulting from rabies among individuals who sought treatment in Pune after being bitten by dogs outside the municipal limits. The statistics regarding dog bite incidents in recent years are as follows: 12,024 incidents in 2021, 16,569 incidents in 2022, and 14,072 incidents as of August 2023.
