Maharashtra's Rabies Challenge: Tackling Stray Dog Menace

Maharashtra experienced over 30 lakh dog bite cases in six years, with 30 rabies deaths from 2021 to 2023. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced measures to intensify animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination efforts. Concerns rise due to increasing stray dog populations in cities like Mumbai and Pune.

Maharashtra has reported more than 30 lakh cases of dog bites over the past six years, with 30 fatalities from rabies between 2021 and 2023, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the state assembly on Wednesday.

In response, local municipalities have been instructed to strengthen animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination efforts, following orders outlined by the Supreme Court in August 2024.

The initiatives come amid rising concerns over the burgeoning stray dog population in major urban centers, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Kalyan-Dombivli, as highlighted by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sunil Prabhu.

(With inputs from agencies.)