Over 135 Dog Bites in One Day in Ulhasnagar
Ulhasnagar is facing an escalating crisis as the suburb grapples with an alarming surge in dog bites, particularly from stray canines. On February 10 alone, as many as 135 citizens were bitten, with nearly 60 bite incidents reported daily. According to hospital data, there have already been 335 cases since January 1, and experts are predicting that by the end of 2024, the total could reach over 21,000 cases.
At the heart of the issue is a growing stray dog population, with civic authorities under fire for their failure to address the situation effectively. The Ulhasnagar Central Hospital has repeatedly raised concerns, citing the non-functioning of the municipal dog sterilisation department for the last six to seven months. This has contributed to the drastic rise in the stray dog population, making the streets increasingly hazardous for locals. Dr. Manohar Bansode, the hospital dean, confirmed that 21,411 dog bites were recorded across the suburb in 2024, with citizens receiving immediate treatment for rabies prevention. However, the situation has reached a breaking point, with residents now expressing frustration over insufficient action from local authorities.
Local media reports highlighted the harrowing stories of citizens who fell victim to stray dogs. One woman in Tanaji Nagar, who was heading to work, was bitten by a stray, suffering severe injuries, including bone damage. Her family expressed concern over the lack of available anti-rabies injections at the hospital. “We are daily-wage workers, and we can’t afford such treatment,” said the woman’s brother-in-law. “We live in constant fear of these dogs.” Residents also pointed out that the issue affects senior citizens and children the most, as they are often unable to defend themselves from aggressive stray dogs. Despite occasional efforts from the local municipality to rescue stray dogs, the issue persists as many of these canines are returned to the streets after being captured, contributing to a cycle of reinfestation.
The Maharashtra government has expressed its commitment to addressing the crisis, acknowledging that while some sterilisation initiatives have been carried out, they have been insufficient. A senior official from the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) stated that tenders have now been issued to control the stray dog population, and the sterilisation programme will soon be revived. Dr. Mini Aravindan, Director of Veterinary Services at PETA India, emphasised the importance of responsible treatment of stray dogs, urging citizens to support ethical dog-feeding practices. She explained that sterilisation, coupled with vaccination against rabies, helps control the dog population, ensuring that their numbers remain manageable and that they are no longer a threat to human health.
Dr. Aravindan further highlighted the broader issue of pet dog bites, noting that many incidents are caused by pet dogs that are not adequately trained or socialised. This, she argues, exacerbates the issue of dog bites across urban areas. Ulhasnagar’s current situation underlines the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach that includes effective sterilisation, better treatment for injured victims, and improved public awareness on how to co-exist with stray animals in urban settings. Until then, the fear of dog bites will continue to loom over the residents of this suburb.
