The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has announced a set of measures to address the growing stray dog problem across the twin city, including speeding up sterilisation drives with the support of private agencies and animal welfare groups, along with plans to build a dedicated shelter for sterilised dogs.
The decision comes amid increasing concern over the rise in stray dog attacks and dog-bite incidents reported from various parts of Vasai-Virar in recent months.
Civic officials estimate that the region currently has close to one lakh stray dogs, while only around 30,000 animals have been sterilised so far, highlighting the scale of the challenge faced by the administration.
According to civic data, nearly 15,000 dog-bite complaints were registered between January and April this year, intensifying public concern and prompting criticism from residents and opposition leaders.
Public anger further escalated after the death of a nine-year-old girl who reportedly contracted rabies following a stray dog bite. The tragic incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed questions over the civic body’s handling of the stray dog crisis.
The issue was strongly raised during a recent General Body meeting of the municipal corporation, where opposition members accused the administration of failing to take adequate action despite repeated complaints from citizens.
Mayor Ajeev Patil said the corporation is strengthening its response by involving private organisations and animal welfare groups to accelerate sterilisation efforts. VVCMC Health Committee Chairman Nilesh Deshmukh stated that discussions with animal welfare organisations are already underway and work has begun to improve the situation.
As part of the proposed plan, the civic body intends to construct a dedicated shelter facility in Vasai at an estimated cost of ₹5.5 crore. The centre is expected to accommodate around 1,000 dogs and will provide facilities for post-sterilisation care, treatment and maintenance.
Officials also said that sterilised dogs may be fitted with GPS-enabled collars to help authorities monitor and identify them more effectively.
Currently, sterilisation operations in Vasai-Virar are being carried out through two centres — one managed by the municipal corporation and another operated by a private veterinary facility. However, officials admitted that the existing infrastructure is insufficient considering the large stray dog population and the growing number of complaints.
Chief Medical Officer Bhakti Chaudhary assured that civic hospitals have adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and medicines to handle dog-bite emergencies.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders claimed that the administration’s response on the ground remains inadequate. BJP leader Manoj Patil alleged that residents, especially children and senior citizens, continue to live in fear due to packs of stray dogs roaming residential areas, particularly during the nighttime.
He further criticised the civic administration, stating that citizens expect stronger and more visible action to ensure public safety across the city.