In a shocking revelation, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the Maharashtra Legislative Council that more than 1.28 lakh people in Mumbai suffered dog bites in 2024 alone. Nagpur recorded over 9,400 cases in the same year, highlighting a growing public safety concern in both urban and semi-urban areas of the state.

The statistics were shared in response to questions raised by MLCs Sunil Shinde, Vasant Khandelwal, Sandip Joshi, and others, who expressed concerns about the increasing stray dog population in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) limits. The surge in bites has triggered discussions on citizen safety and animal management policies.

According to a survey conducted by BMC in collaboration with Humane Society International, the number of stray dogs in Mumbai decreased slightly from 95,172 in 2014 to 90,757 in 2024. Despite this reduction, the high incidence of dog bites underscores the need for more effective control measures and public awareness campaigns.

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To tackle the issue, authorities have initiated sterilisation and vaccination programs, aiming to control the free-roaming dog population and prevent rabies outbreaks. Additionally, an independent online portal has been launched to address citizen grievances and track dog-related complaints across the city.

Land parcels are also being identified to establish shelters for aggressive and rabid dogs, providing a safer environment for both humans and animals. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce incidents and promote responsible urban animal management across Maharashtra.

The dog bite figures are part of a larger trend in the state, with over 30 lakh cases reported in the past six years—averaging nearly 1,369 bites per day. Between 2021 and 2023, rabies claimed 30 lives, emphasizing the urgency of preventive measures and public education on avoiding stray dog attacks.

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