Uran Taluka has reported nearly 1,700 dog bite cases in 2024, raising serious concerns about the government’s response to the growing stray dog menace. The situation has become so severe that residents fear stepping out, particularly during early mornings and late nights, as aggressive packs of stray dogs roam unchecked.
According to Dr. B.M. Kalel, medical superintendent at Indira Gandhi Rural Hospital, an average of 150 dog bite cases are recorded every month.
The latest victim, five-year-old Amit Sundarban, was attacked on March 12 near his home in Dronagiri Node. Social activist Vinayak Mahadev Kaskar rushed him to Indira Gandhi Rural Hospital, where he allegedly had to wait 2.5 hours for treatment, raising concerns about the hospital’s emergency response.
The problem has been escalating for months. In a recent incident, 13 residents of Khopta village were bitten by stray dogs and required urgent medical care in Uran and Navi Mumbai. Tragically, one person from Ransai succumbed to severe dog bite injuries, while even a doctor at JNPA Hospital fell victim to an attack.
“Packs of stray dogs roam aggressively, creating panic among residents,” said Dinesh Patil, a concerned local.
Frustrated citizens raised the issue at the Uran General Meeting, demanding urgent sterilization and rabies prevention efforts. In response, MLA Mahesh Baldi assured the public that necessary steps, including sterilization programs, would be implemented to address the crisis and ensure public safety.
