1 week ago
Mumbai Reports 1.54 Lakh Dog Bites, Plans Sterilisation and Shelters
Mumbai recorded more than 154,000 dog-bite cases in 2025.
Many city representatives said stray dogs are making residents, especially children, feel unsafe.
They also raised concerns that anti-rabies vaccines were not always available at civic hospitals.
The BMC said it had sterilised more than 25,000 stray dogs between April 2024 and March 2025.
It plans to sterilise 12,000 more dogs by 2027.
The city also plans to build shelters at six locations for dogs caught by officials.
The BMC said hospitals currently have 17,000 vaccine doses.
It promised that anti-rabies vaccines would be available 24 hours a day at all BMC hospitals.
Officials also said they would work to control the stray-dog problem by 2030.
The BMC recorded 1,54,017 dog-bite cases in Mumbai during 2025.
The civic body sterilised 25,211 stray dogs between April 2024 and March 2025.
Officials plan to sterilise 12,000 more stray dogs by 2027 and intensify efforts through 2030.
Six shelters are planned in Airoli, Malvani, Mulund, Mahul, Dindoshi and BPT.
The BMC said its hospitals have 17,000 anti-rabies vaccine doses and will provide vaccines around the clock.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, civic officials, the mayor and Mumbai corporators are involved, along with residents affected by dog bites.
- What
- Mumbai reported 1,54,017 dog-bite cases in 2025, prompting plans for expanded sterilisation, shelters and anti-rabies vaccination.
- Where
- Mumbai, with planned shelters in Airoli, Malvani, Mulund, Mahul, Dindoshi and BPT.
- When
- The cases occurred in 2025; the issue was discussed in the BMC General Body meeting reported on August 19, 2026. Sterilisation figures cover April 2024 to March 2025.
- Why
- Civic representatives cited concerns about stray-dog attacks, public fear and access to anti-rabies vaccines.
Civic Administration
Corporators and Public Critics
Response to the stray-dog problem
Civic Administration
The BMC said it would intensify sterilisation, establish six shelters and work to control the problem by 2030.
Corporators and Public Critics
Corporators demanded immediate action, including catching and shifting nuisance dogs to shelters to protect residents.
Anti-rabies vaccine availability
Civic Administration
The BMC said hospitals have 17,000 doses and promised 24/7 availability at all BMC hospitals.
Corporators and Public Critics
Several corporators alleged that anti-rabies vaccines were unavailable or in short supply at civic hospitals and called for immediate access.
Effectiveness of sterilisation efforts
Civic Administration
The administration cited 25,211 sterilised dogs and a further target of 12,000 by 2027.
Corporators and Public Critics
Critics questioned why the stray-dog problem remains unchecked despite crores being spent on sterilisation.
Key facts
- Dog-bite cases
- 1,54,017 cases were recorded in Mumbai in 2025.
- Dogs sterilised
- 25,211 stray dogs were sterilised between April 2024 and March 2025.
- Additional target
- The BMC plans to sterilise 12,000 more stray dogs by 2027.
- Planned shelters
- Six shelters are planned in Airoli, Malvani, Mulund, Mahul, Dindoshi and BPT.
- Vaccine stock
- BMC hospitals reportedly have 17,000 anti-rabies vaccine doses.
- Vaccine access
- The civic administration said anti-rabies vaccines will be available 24/7 at all BMC hospitals.
- Stray-dog population
- A 2024 survey estimated Mumbai's stray-dog population at 90,757.
Sources
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