Pune is witnessing a sharp rise in stray dog-related incidents, with official data showing 78,421 dog-bite cases recorded in the city over the last three years.
While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) claims that the stray dog population is gradually declining, civic records indicate that the number of bite incidents continues to increase.
The issue came into focus again after recent attacks in Kirkatwadi and Narhe. A few days ago, stray dogs suddenly attacked a young child in Chaitrangan Society in Kirkatwadi. In another incident in Narhe on January 9, a group of stray dogs attacked a young man early in the morning, leaving him seriously injured.
Residents across several areas have reported similar complaints in recent months. School children, senior citizens, and morning walkers are among the most vulnerable. In some neighbourhoods, people say packs of stray dogs make it risky to even step outside their homes, particularly in suburban areas and newly developed housing societies.
Health officials warn that immediate anti-rabies vaccination is crucial after a dog bite. While PMC hospitals provide rabies vaccines, the increasing number of cases has started putting pressure on the city’s public health system.
According to health department data, 21,526 dog-bite cases were recorded in 2023, which rose to 26,105 in 2024 and further increased to 30,790 in 2025. By January 18, 2026, the city had already reported 1,953 cases. This means that around 80 to 85 residents suffer dog bites in Pune every day on average.
PMC officials say the city’s expansion has also contributed to the problem. Many newly merged villages have added to the stray animal population.
Dr. Sarika Funde, veterinary officer at the Pune Municipal Corporation, said the number of stray dogs in the city is estimated to be between 2.25 lakh and 2.5 lakh due to the inclusion of newly merged villages.
“Not all bite cases involve stray dogs. Some are caused by pet dogs, and a few involve animals like monkeys and cats. The municipal corporation is regularly carrying out sterilisation of stray dogs to control the population. The dogs involved in the attempted attack on the child in Kirkatwadi have been captured and kept under observation,” she said.
