Pune: In a pioneering effort, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken significant steps to control the stray cat population in the city. By sterilizing and vaccinating stray cats, PMC aims to curb their increasing numbers. Since 2022, this initiative has been implemented with encouraging results.
The Universal Animal Welfare Society, contracted by PMC, has sterilized 6,542 cats over three years, spending a total of ₹99.66 lakh. The procedure involves capturing stray cats, sterilizing them, administering anti-rabies vaccinations, tagging them, and releasing them back to their original locations.
State's First Sterilization Program for Stray Cats
Dr. Sarika Funde, Veterinary Officer, PMC, highlighted that Pune is the first city in Maharashtra to launch a sterilization and vaccination program for stray cats. "The initiative, started in 2022, has begun yielding positive outcomes, with the stray cat population now under control," Dr. Funde said.
The PMC spends ₹1,900 on sterilizing and vaccinating each stray cat. The process is managed through a tender system, with the Universal Animal Welfare Society executing the operations, including transportation and post-operative care.
Year-wise Sterilization Figures
The number of cats sterilized under this program is as follows:
2022-23: 1,807
2023-24: 2,863
2024-25: 1,872
Key Highlights
PMC began sterilizing stray cats in 2022.
A total of 6,542 cats have been sterilized so far.
Pune is the first city in the state to implement such a program.