Residents say PCMC's repeated failure in controlling the stray dog population has led to mess
Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) attempts in controlling stray dog population seems to be a futile effort, with citizens complaining of the canine menace still being a grave problem in many areas. Citizens complain these stray dogs pose danger to school going children, senior citizens and those returning late from work.
However, the dog bite records available with PCMC medical department for the period between April, 2013 to March, 2014, shows 6930 cases, a 25% drop from previous two years cases of 9181 (2012-13) and 9384 (2011-12).
Recently PCMC citizens from Kalewadi area approached municipal commissioner and demanded immediate remedy over the stray dog menace in their area. They have threatened that they will bring a protest march with dogs to the PCMC office, if there is no action.
Veterinary officer from PCMC, Satish Gore said that as per 2012 survey the dog population within PCMC area was 24000 and under their canine family planning programme started from April, 2012, they have operated over 15000 dogs till now. "So the dog population might have gone down to certain extent. However, there are certain densely populated and peripherial areas within PCMC were street dogs are found in high numbers. It is because in these areas garbage disposal is very weak, giving easy food source to dogs," he said.
The dog prone areas in PCMC as per Gore are, Bhosari, Kalewadi, Sanghvi, Yamunanagar, Chinchwadgoan and Pimprigaon. He said the areas which are either densely populated by human's or are on the periphery of the city are found to have more stray dog population. "PCMC has given the two private agencies to catch, operate and release the stray dogs. The agency men catch 25/30 dogs every day and the 6 ward are equally divided between the two agencies," he said.
Former corporater form Kalewadi area, Machindra Tapkir said that Kalewadi citizens are fed-up with dog menace in the area. "We fear to send our children out on the streets on their own. There are every day a dog bite case in our area and generally children or senior citizens fall victim to these dog bites." He complained that the private dog catching agencies often fail to catch the dogs, which disappear at their sight.
PCMC has also appointed a private agency recently, which is carrying out a dog census of the area, to know how much effort is needed for bringing zero breedable dog population.
Quick Notes
24000 stray dogs population in PCMC (2012 survey)
15000 stray dogs covered under canine family planning operation (from April 2012 till now)
25/30 stray dogs captured, operated and released every day
Dog bite cases in PCMC
6930 (April 2013-March 2014)
9181 (April 2012-March 2013)
9384 (April 2011-March 2012)
Zero deaths from rabies
(source - Medical Department, PCMC)
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