Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Mumbai's Street Dog Management Success: Lessons for Other Cities
Mumbai has successfully reduced its street dog population through sterilization, vaccination, and community care.
Local residents help by feeding and looking after the dogs, making it easier for organizations to implement programs.
Rabies cases have also dropped dramatically.
While dog numbers are down, there are now more cats, leading to new programs to manage the cat population and maintain the progress in animal population control.
Mumbai's street dog population has decreased by approximately 5% in the last decade.
Sterilization programs, rabies vaccinations, and community involvement are key to Mumbai's success.
Deaths from rabies have significantly decreased since the pre-1994 culling era.
Community members contribute by caring for street dogs, making them accessible for programs.
Mumbai is now seeing a rise in its street cat population.
- Who
- Animal welfare organizations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and local community members.
- What
- Successful management of the street dog population.
- When
- Over the last decade.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Through a multi-pronged approach including sterilization, vaccination, and community engagement.
- Success Metric
- 5% decrease in dog population (last 10 years)
- Key Actions
- Sterilization, Vaccination, Education
- Rabies Impact
- Significant decrease in deaths
- Community Role
- Feeding and care of street dogs
- Emerging Challenge
- Increase in street cat population
Sources
Mumbai To Host Rally And Silent March Demanding Justice And Welfare For Street Dogs On Aug 14–15
Hyderabad to Host Indie Dog Puppy Adoption Drive on Aug 17
Mumbai Crime: 24-Year-Old CA Student And PETA India Ensure FIR Against Saki Naka Man For Attempted Stray Dog Killing