By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 14 Sep,2025

67 Dog Bite Cases in a Day Raise Alarm in Kalyan and Dombivli, Thane

Thane, Maharashtra:
In a shocking development, the twin towns of Kalyan and Dombivli in Thane district reported 67 dog bite cases in a single day, sparking serious concerns about the rising menace of stray dogs and the urgent need for effective control measures. The sudden surge has left residents worried for their safety, while local authorities face mounting pressure to take swift action.

Rising Dog Bite Cases: A Growing Concern

For years, residents of Kalyan and Dombivli have voiced complaints about the increasing population of stray dogs in residential colonies, marketplaces, and near schools. However, the sudden jump in numbers—67 bite incidents in just 24 hours—has brought the issue into sharp focus.

Doctors at local civic hospitals reported that most victims were children and elderly people, who are more vulnerable during such attacks. Many of the cases required anti-rabies vaccinations, further straining hospital resources.

Why Is the Stray Dog Population Rising?

Several factors have contributed to the rise in stray dog numbers:

• Unregulated feeding spots: While feeding stray dogs is often encouraged out of compassion, the lack of regulation has led to packs forming in crowded neighborhoods.

• Poor sterilization programs: Animal birth control drives have been irregular, allowing the stray population to multiply rapidly.

• Waste mismanagement: Open garbage dumps attract dogs in large numbers, providing them easy access to food.

Residents Speak Out

Local residents expressed fear and frustration after the latest wave of attacks. Parents are now reluctant to allow their children to play outside.

“We can’t even walk peacefully on the streets anymore. Dogs chase bikers, bark at schoolchildren, and sometimes attack without reason. Authorities wake up only after such incidents make headlines,” said Suresh Patil, a Dombivli resident.

Another local resident, Meena Joshi, added, “We are not against animals, but public safety must come first. The government should conduct sterilization on a war footing. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse.”

What Authorities Are Doing

The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) confirmed the reports and assured citizens that steps are being taken. Officials stated that they are planning an intensified sterilization and vaccination drive to control the stray population.

KDMC health officers also appealed to citizens to avoid provoking stray dogs, dispose of garbage responsibly, and immediately report aggressive strays to helplines.

However, animal rights activists caution against aggressive culling measures. “Sterilization and vaccination are the only humane and effective long-term solutions. Killing or relocating strays has never solved the issue—it only displaces them temporarily,” explained Ramesh Kulkarni, an activist working with an animal welfare NGO in Thane.

Health Risks of Dog Bites

Medical experts highlight that apart from physical injuries, dog bites carry the risk of rabies, a deadly viral infection if left untreated. Each dog bite case requires urgent medical attention, with victims being administered anti-rabies vaccines and sometimes immunoglobulin injections.

Dr. Shweta Naik, a local physician, stressed: “Rabies is 100% preventable with timely treatment, but once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. People should not ignore even minor dog bites or scratches.”

The Bigger Picture

Thane is not alone in facing this challenge. Across India, the stray dog population has been rising, often leading to public health scares. Recent reports suggest that urban towns with high waste generation and limited sterilization programs face the worst outbreaks of dog bites.

Experts believe that solving the issue requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Strengthening sterilization and vaccination drives.

2. Ensuring scientific waste disposal to reduce stray congregation.

3. Educating citizens about responsible feeding practices.

4. Setting up rapid response teams for dog bite emergencies.

Conclusion

The alarming number of 67 dog bite cases in a single day in Kalyan and Dombivli has become a wake-up call for authorities and residents alike. While compassion for animals is important, public safety and health cannot be compromised. The road ahead requires joint efforts from the government, citizens, and animal welfare groups to ensure a safe and humane solution to the stray dog crisis.

Until then, residents of Thane remain on high alert—hoping that swift action will prevent another day like this.