Mumbai Struggles with Over 128,000 Dog Bites in 2024: Authorities Take Action
More than 128,000 people in Mumbai were bitten by stray dogs in 2024, raising significant concerns about public safety. This alarming statistic was shared by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the state legislative council on Friday, in response to queries from MLCs Sunil Shinde, Vasant Khandelwal, Sandip Joshi, and others.
These legislators expressed deep concerns about the increasing number of stray dogs within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits and a similar issue in Nagpur. Shinde stated that more than 9,400 people were bitten by stray dogs in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, in 2024.
Shinde highlighted that a survey conducted by the BMC, in collaboration with Human Society International and in accordance with Animal Welfare Board rules, revealed a reduction in the number of stray dogs from 95,172 in 2014 to 90,757 in 2024. This slight decrease, however, is overshadowed by the rising number of dog bite incidents.
In the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) limits, 9,427 people were bitten by stray dogs, while 128,252 people suffered dog bites in Mumbai as per the 2024 figures, Shinde added. These figures contribute to the over 3 million dog bite cases reported across Maharashtra in the last six years, averaging approximately 1,369 incidents every day across the state.
To address this issue, several steps and programs are being implemented to control the stray dog population. These include sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs, as well as rabies eradication initiatives. An independent portal has also been established to resolve citizens' grievances related to dog bites.
Additionally, efforts are being made to locate suitable land parcels to set up shelters for aggressive and rabid dogs. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure public safety and reduce the number of dog bite incidents.
Shinde had previously informed the legislative assembly on Wednesday that there has been a significant increase in dog bite cases both in rural and urban parts of the state. Between 2021 and 2023, 30 people have died due to rabies, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The government's commitment to addressing this issue is evident through the various initiatives and programs being rolled out. While the challenge is significant, these efforts are crucial in protecting the health and well-being of the citizens of Maharashtra.
