In Vasai, 10 stray dog bites daily!

A total of 2,454 stray dogs have been sterilised between June and September. Pic/Hanif Patel

The escalating number of dog bite cases in Vasai taluka has become a significant cause for concern among local residents, who are living in fear of dog attacks in the streets. Despite civic officials claiming to conduct dog sterilisation programmes, the dog population continues to grow.

In Vasai taluka, which encompasses Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar, there are a total of eight Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) operated by zila parishad. These PHCs have reported a total of 2,422 dog bite cases since April. The hotspot for these cases is Arnala in Virar West, where numerous stray dogs freely roam near the seaside.

On average, each PHC witnesses at least 10 dog bite cases daily in Vasai taluka. A medical officer at Agashi PHC in Virar stated, "We have been prompt in providing treatment to the victims. The dogs are so aggressive that they can severely injure their victims, primarily children and the elderly, who become panicked instantly."
A senior doctor from Palghar zila parishad, speaking anonymously, said, "It is the municipal corporation's responsibility to control the dog population through sterilisation programs, but there is a severe lack of infrastructure and will to eliminate the dog menace."

A total of 2,454 stray dogs have been sterilised between June and September, say officials. Pic/Hanif Patel

A senior doctor said, "Vasai taluka has a mix of urban and rural populations. While the PHCs are primarily meant for urban areas, we have been accommodating patients from urban setups, as we cannot refuse those in need of urgent medical attention."

"Numerous times, we have raised this issue with the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation to provide facilities for treating dog bite cases, but no action has been taken. Patients come to our PHCs because they claim that civic-run hospitals lack the necessary medicines to treat dog bite cases," said another senior doctor.
A senior civic official claimed, "We have been conducting a sterilisation program for stray dogs in Vasai, Virar, and Nalasopara. A total of 2,454 stray dogs have been sterilised between June and September," said Dr Charushila Pandit, deputy municipal commissioner in VVCMC.

However, a local resident of Vasai, Praveen Nalawade, expressed scepticism, saying, "I wonder how dog bite cases continue to rise when 2,454 dogs have been sterilised. This data appears to be inaccurate, as we face the dog menace every day. I'm afraid to let my children play in the field due to the increasing dog bite cases."

Nineteen-year-old college student Sneha Mia said, "I was bitten by dogs as a child and a few months ago, stray dogs bit me again. I'm very scared these days, as packs of dogs wait for humans in the middle of the road."

"I have to attend college in Bandra, so I leave early in the morning. However, I can't go out alone because the dogs chase you relentlessly. I have to wait for passer-by to help me cross the road," she added.

Mia, who works in a private firm after college, also faces challenges during her late evening and night-time commute. "When I return home, the dogs chase me again. The government must take action to address this problem," she added.

Many others have shared their concerns about going out alone, especially during mornings and evenings. Social activist Atul Mote described the situation, saying, "It gets worse late at night when packs of dogs chase your scooter, and you suddenly feel terrified on the road. These dogs literally chase and bark at you. It's scary."

There are a total of ten veterinary dispensaries (VDs) in Vasai taluka, run by zila parishad. However, these dispensaries are severely understaffed and primarily meant for livestock, said a source.

An officer said, "The veterinary dispensaries are located in Nirmal, Agashi, Kaman, Umela, Shivan Sai, Saiwan, Bhatane, Chandansar, Sasunavghar, and Pelhar. But these VDs are specifically meant for livestock like cows, buffaloes, chickens, etc."

Dr Nakul Korade, the Livestock Development Officer of Vasai taluka, expressed concern about the increasing dog bite cases and the growing stray dog population. He said, "The community is witnessing a worrying rise in dog bite incidents, necessitating urgent intervention. The surge in dog bites is directly linked to the increasing population of stray dogs in the area. This issue not only threatens public safety but also raises concerns about animal welfare and the need for a comprehensive policy."

He added, "A well-structured and humane approach is needed to address this issue. A comprehensive animal welfare policy is being developed, aiming to balance public safety and the well-being of stray dogs. This policy, developed in collaboration with local authorities and municipal bodies, places particular emphasis on the role of local bodies in sterilisation and vaccination campaigns."

Dr Korade said, "Sterilisation is the need of the hour to control the dog population. Zila parishad is currently conducting one of the first Animal Birth Control programs with the help of an NGO. It's one of the first attempts by zila parishad, and it will soon begin on a trial basis."

Dr Yojana Jadhav, Taluka Medical Officer (TMO) in Vasai, stressed the importance of sterilisation, vaccination, and the need for facilities like dog homes. "Regular health check-ups for stray dogs are equally essential," she noted.

When asked why the number of stray dogs continues to rise despite VVCMC's sterilisation program, DMC Pandit explained, "We have only one centre, and the number of dogs is enormous. We are actively seeking locations for additional centres."

Mumbai annually witness around 65,000 dog attacks. A Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale has also written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner IS Chahal regarding the dog menace in the city urging him to form an action plan.

2,454
No. of stray dogs sterilised between June and September