Stray Dog Complaints Cross 10,000 In Mumbai In Just Eight Months, Reveals BMC Data

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 11:09 IST

BMC sources pointed out that the city’s high density, availability of open garbage dumps, and feeding of stray animals in public areas all contribute to the problem

Civic authorities have instructed the relevant departments to review stray dog complaints at least three times a week. (Getty Images)

Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received 10,778 complaints related to stray dogs between January and August 2025, sources in the body have told News18. The figure highlights the growing concern among residents about stray dog-related issues in the city—from road safety hazards to the risk of rabies and other infections.

The BMC has made it easier for citizens to raise such concerns through an online complaint system available on the MyBMC mobile app and the civic body’s official website. Residents can register, log in, and provide details of the location and nature of the issue. Once a complaint is filed, a reference number is sent to the complainant’s mobile phone, followed by an update once action has been taken.

To ensure timely resolution, civic authorities have instructed the relevant departments to review stray dog complaints at least three times a week. According to BMC sources, this has helped track cases more efficiently and ensure faster on-ground action.

Stray dog management in Mumbai is not new. Since 1994, the civic body has been responsible for sterilisation and rabies-prevention measures. From 2023 to 2025, the BMC sterilised 4,20,345 stray dogs under its population control and vaccination drives.

Currently, seven sterilisation centres are operating across Mumbai under the BMC’s veterinary department, which functions within the general health department. The animal and bird control branch plays a key role in implementing these measures, supported by the mobile veterinary service unit. Population control through sterilisation, combined with regular rabies vaccinations, has been the mainstay of BMC’s strategy. The civic body believes these steps not only protect public health but also prevent stray dogs from becoming aggressive due to overpopulation and territorial fights.

However, despite these ongoing efforts, the surge in complaints shows that challenges remain. BMC sources pointed out that the city’s high density, availability of open garbage dumps, and feeding of stray animals in public areas all contribute to the problem.

Officials are urging residents to actively use the online complaint system, as it ensures that cases are logged, tracked, and acted upon in a structured manner. For many citizens, the hope is that with consistent monitoring, swift action, and responsible community behaviour, the number of stray dog-related issues in Mumbai will begin to decline.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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August 12, 2025, 11:09 IST

News india Stray Dog Complaints Cross 10,000 In Mumbai In Just Eight Months, Reveals BMC Data

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