“Delhi Pattern” for Stray Dog Control Now

Pimpri-Chinchwad | Correspondent
The time has come to address the increasing problem of stray dogs in the state with a serious approach. BJP MLA Mahesh Landge has demanded that, in Pimpri-Chinchwad as well as other major cities in the state, the issue of stray dogs be tackled following the pattern of the Supreme Court’s order for the Delhi region.

A letter in this regard has been sent to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and instructions have also been given to Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh. In his letter, Landge stated that on 11 August 2025, the Supreme Court of India passed a significant order, noting that in Delhi and NCR (National Capital Region), the growing problem of stray dogs has led to severe cases of rabies and dog bites, and ordering immediate measures.

The Supreme Court’s key directives are as follows:

1. All stray dogs must be immediately removed from the streets.

2. Authorities must set up necessary dog shelters within 8 weeks.

3. A proper record of captured dogs must be maintained, and no dog should be released back onto the streets.

4. A helpline to report dog bite incidents must be launched within a week.

5. A list of locations where rabies vaccines are available must be published.

6. Anyone obstructing stray dog control efforts (including animal lovers) will face contempt of court proceedings.

In major cities of Maharashtra—Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Solapur, Kolhapur, etc.—the stray dog population is growing rapidly. Many times, children, senior citizens, and common people have been injured by dog bites, and in some cases, there have been unfortunate deaths due to rabies. Landge said that they have repeatedly raised this issue in the Legislative Assembly to draw the government’s attention.

Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has also been sent a letter urging that, just as action has been taken in Delhi, similar measures should be implemented in Pimpri-Chinchwad to ensure public safety.

Immediate Measures Demanded:

1. Launch a special drive to count the stray dog population in all districts and municipal areas.

2. Order the construction of safe dog shelters in every city and taluka.

3. Provide the necessary funds to local self-government bodies.

4. Conduct public rabies vaccination campaigns.

5. Start a state-level toll-free helpline for reporting dog bite incidents.

6. Issue orders for special monitoring at schools, anganwadis, parks, and gardens.

7. Provide legal protection and training to officers and staff involved in this campaign.

8. Issue clear instructions for legal action against those obstructing the campaign.

9. Recognize that the stray dog problem is not only an issue of cleanliness or inconvenience but also a serious public health concern. Parallel action must be taken in Maharashtra in line with the Supreme Court’s Delhi directives.

Reaction:
“The stray dog problem is not just about uncleanliness but is directly linked to public health and safety. In light of the Supreme Court’s order for Delhi, prompt and decisive steps must be taken in Maharashtra and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Public safety and health are the highest priorities. I have made this demand to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and am confident of positive action.”
— Mahesh Landge, MLA, BJP, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune.