Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has invested ₹20 crore in managing stray dogs and cats over the last two and a half years, with a record expenditure of ₹9.37 crore in the financial year 2023-24 alone.
Despite the substantial funds allocated for sterilization and vaccination efforts, residents are expressing concerns over the effectiveness of these initiatives, pointing to continued stray dog attacks and questioning the transparency of the process.
Claims vs. Reality:
PMC reports claim that nearly 1 lakh dogs were sterilized and 1.25 lakh were vaccinated during the period.
However, citizens allege that there has been little to no reduction in the population of stray dogs, with many continuing to roam the streets and cause harm to residents.
Local resident Sanjay Bhondve raised concerns over the management of stray dogs, stating, "The stray dog squad merely relocates the dogs without resolving the issue. Crores of rupees are being wasted, and we need a long-term, effective solution.
" He further emphasized the need to utilize PMC’s vast land holdings to establish dedicated shelters for stray animals.
Similarly, Sameer Sable, another resident, highlighted the discrepancy in PMC’s figures and the reality on the ground. "Many dogs marked as sterilized are still causing harm to citizens.
There have been life-threatening attacks, proving that the current system is flawed," he said. He also pointed to a lack of transparency and accountability in the entire process, labeling it as "black market corruption."
Financial Breakdown:
2022-23: ₹5.95 crore spent
2023-24: ₹9.37 crore spent
April-July 2024: ₹5.05 crore spent