The Veterinary Health Department in Mumbai has recently introduced the VHD Mumbai New Portal, a strategic initiative aimed at improving public accessibility for reporting dog-related issues in the city. Launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) last week, this new portal is designed for residents to report various concerns related to the city’s dog population, such as stray dogs, rabid dogs, and dog bites.
In its inaugural week, the portal has already garnered nearly 150 complaints, indicating a substantial demand for this service. Of these complaints, 43 pertained to stray dogs, while 15 were related to dog bites. Mumbai, with an estimated dog population of 164,000, experiences frequent dog bite incidents, contributing to the approximately 70,000 dog bite cases reported annually. The introduction of the VHD Mumbai New Portal is a proactive measure to address these challenges. The platform allows residents to report issues related to suspected rabid dogs, nuisance caused by stray dogs, dog bites, or a high number of street dogs. Once a complaint is received, the BMC ensures that the stray dog in question is captured, sterilised, and returned to its original location rather than being relocated, thereby promoting humane treatment of the animals.
A significant feature of this new portal is its utilisation of real-time data, GPS, and geofencing technology. This integration ensures that photos of captured animals and their exact locations are uploaded, providing transparency and accuracy in the management of each case. “Real-time data, including photos of the captured animal and its exact location, are uploaded using GPS and geofencing technology. This guarantees that animals are returned to their original locations, ensuring humane treatment and avoiding issues related to relocating animals,” explained a doctor from Deonar Abattoir.
The BMC’s response to complaints is prioritised based on the details provided and the complainant’s mobile number. To further streamline the reporting process and encourage more residents to report their concerns, the Municipal Corporation has made the portal accessible through a dedicated link on its website: VHD Mumbai New Portal. The geographical distribution of the complaints received indicates 23 complaints from South Mumbai, 37 from the eastern suburbs, and 83 from the western suburbs. Among these, 35 complaints specifically address the increasing stray dog populations, with the majority originating from the western suburbs. In addition to handling complaints, the BMC has been actively engaged in a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign since September 2023. As part of this initiative, approximately 25,000 of Mumbai’s 165,000 stray dogs have been vaccinated. The civic body aims to achieve a 70 percent vaccination rate by March 2024, demonstrating a robust commitment to public health and animal welfare.
The introduction of the VHD Mumbai New Portal represents a forward-thinking approach by the BMC, leveraging technology to enhance urban animal management. By improving public accessibility and providing a transparent mechanism for addressing dog-related issues, the BMC is setting a new standard for municipal services in India. This initiative not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to the long-term goal of maintaining a balanced and humane approach to animal control in Mumbai.
