Pune Records 24,803 Dog-Bite Cases In 7 Months: Why Is PMC Struggling To Tackle Stray Dog Menace?

Pune has recorded nearly 25,000 dog-bite cases in the first seven months of 2026, prompting concerns about the city's efforts to manage the stray dog population. According to data from the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) veterinary department, 24,803 dog-bite cases were reported between January and July 2026. July saw the highest number of cases at 4,887, while May recorded the lowest at 2,657.

The consistent monthly increase in cases indicates that the problem persists throughout the year rather than being limited to specific seasons.

A recent incident saw a young child narrowly escaping serious injury after being chased and attacked by a group of stray dogs in the Kirkatwadi area of Pune. Such incidents raise questions about the effectiveness of the PMC's measures to control the stray dog population.

While the PMC maintains that the reported numbers should be understood in context, the rising figures suggest that residents are increasingly interacting with stray dogs across the city. The PMC has allocated ₹37 crore in its 2026-27 budget for various measures, including sterilisation, vaccination, shelters, and dog-catching operations. However, veterinary experts warn that infrastructure improvements alone will not solve the problem unless the PMC focuses on identifying and monitoring dogs involved in repeated attacks.

Dr. Yogesh Arora of Vet Pet Clinic explains that dogs bite people due to fear, territorial behaviour, protecting puppies, competition for food, illness, or repeated disturbance. Sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination are crucial, but they cannot be considered a one-time solution. Proper area-wise monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure that aggressive or rabid dogs are identified, medically assessed, and handled appropriately.