Latest news with #SarikaFunde-Bhosale
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sharp decline in rabies cases among stray dogs
In a significant achievement for public health and animal welfare, the number of rabies-infected stray dogs in the city has dropped sharply over the past few years, according to data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)'s Health department. While 373 suspected rabies cases were reported in 2018, only 19 cases have been recorded so far in 2025. Similarly, confirmed rabies cases reduced from 220 in 2018 to just 3 in the current year. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The data from 2018 till August 4, 2025 show a decline in the number of suspected as well as confirmed rabies cases. While 373 suspected rabies cases were reported in 2018, only 19 cases have been recorded so far in 2025. Similarly, confirmed rabies cases reduced from 220 in 2018 to just 3 in the current year. Health officials from the civic body confirmed that the overall positivity rate - the percentage of suspected dogs that tested positive for rabies - has also decreased. The positivity rate was as high as 75% in 2020 and 2021, but has dropped to 15% in 2025. Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, chief veterinary officer, PMC, attributed this decline to the mass vaccination campaigns, awareness drives, and better coordination and implementation of the Animal Birth Control Programme (ABC) in the city. 'Over the past four years, we have successfully administered 191,466 doses of vaccination to stray dogs and community dogs,' she said. According to civic officials, in case a dog is suspected of carrying rabies, based on symptoms or the type of biting incident reported, it is picked up by the PMC dog squad and admitted to the quarantine facility at the dog pound. The dog is observed and tested for infection, and if found uninfected, is released back in the locality from where it was picked up. In case of death, the carcass is sent for tests, wherein the brain tissue is tested twice through rapid antigen test and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. In the event of rabies-positive cases, mass vaccination drives and community awareness is conducted by the civic body as an immediate follow-up measure. 'Our vaccination drives have not just led to a significant reduction in rabies cases, but have also led to a marked increase in public awareness about reporting dog bites and seeking timely prophylaxis,' said Dr Funde-Bhosale.
Hindustan Times
04-08-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
PMC finally approves dog park in Kharadi
After more than two years of planning and two unsuccessful proposals, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has finally approved the development of a dedicated dog park on a 3-acre plot in Kharadi, bearing survey numbers 25 and 26. The decision was taken by the PMC's veterinary department last week. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The decision was taken by the PMC's veterinary department last week. The civic body has been working to set up a dog park in Pune since 2023. The previous plans to establish such parks in Katraj and Baner were proposed but later dropped due to administrative approval challenges. Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, chief veterinary officer, PMC, said a letter has been given to the road, water supply, electric and building construction departments to start work on the development of roads, water supply lines and electricity lines and build a compound wall. 'The park will be equipped with pet-friendly features such as fenced play areas, walking tracks, shaded zones, drinking water points, and waste disposal bins. Other facilities like a jogging track, swimming pool, parking facility, playing instruments, grooming parlour and veterinary services will be made available at the dog park. However, the facilities will be made available in a phased manner,' said Funde-Bhosale. PMC in June 2023 decided to set up the city's first pet dog park on a 3.5-acre plot on the Katraj-Kondhwa Road. A budget provision of ₹1 crore has been made for its construction. The plot originally belonged to the PMC-run Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (RGZP). The civic body had sought permission from CZA to use the land for a dog park. However, CZA on December 26, 2023, rejected the proposal, stating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibits zoos from housing domestic animals and pets within premises. Similarly, the civic veterinary department in May 2024 identified a 36,000 square feet plot in Baner to set up a dog park. The proposal for the same was sent to the municipal commissioner of PMC. However, the plot was later allotted to another department of PMC.
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
PMC begins inspection of illegal meat shops around Pune Airport
Amid growing concerns over stray animals wandering on the runway and possible bird hits to aircraft, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated inspection of (unauthorised) meat/poultry shops operating around Pune Airport. The move comes on the back of a recent incident wherein an Air India Express flight had to abort landing due to the presence of a stray dog on the runway. According to PMC officials, its veterinary department managed to capture at least 12 stray dogs from around the airport between June 24 and July 11. (HT PHOTO) Dr Sarika Funde-Bhosale, chief veterinary officer, PMC, informed that a letter has been submitted to the Yerawada Kalas Dhanori and Nagar Road-Vadgaonsheri ward offices directing an inspection of meat/poultry shops operating in their jurisdiction. The ward offices have been instructed to ensure that these shops dispose of their waste as per Solid Waste Management Rules to prevent the threat of bird hits to aircraft. Currently, there are only five meat shops within a radius of five kilometres of the Pune Airport. The PMC team has started inspecting meat/poultry shops in areas such as Sanjay Park, Lohegaon, Viman Nagar, and Nagar Road. Besides, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram will personally visit and inspect Pune International Airport and the surrounding areas on Saturday, officials said. Dr Funde-Bhosale further said, 'The PMC has instructed that meat/poultry shop licences be decentralised. Sanitary inspectors (SIs) and deputy sanitary inspectors (DSIs) from the Yerawada Kalas Dhanori ward office will carry out detailed checks and take strict action wherever necessary. As per the guidelines, no meat/poultry shops are allowed within 1,000 metres of the airport.' Apart from the veterinary department, the solid waste department too has been asked to ensure that animal and bird waste is properly handled and disposed of. Earlier on June 28, an Air India Express flight from Bhubaneswar with 150 passengers on board had to abort landing and make a go-around before touching down safely due to the presence of a stray canine on the runway. This also sparked concerns about the presence of illegal meat/poultry shops around Pune International Airport and potential bird strikes caused by the slaughter of animals and sale of meat in close proximity to the airport. According to PMC officials, its veterinary department managed to capture at least 12 stray dogs from around the airport between June 24 and July 11. The canines were released into their original habitat in compliance with Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules and following multiple requests from animal activists including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Maneka Gandhi, officials said. The presence of stray dogs, slaughter houses, meat/poultry shops near the airport has been flagged as a serious concern by both civic officials and aviation experts. The animal and bird waste tends to attract large birds such as kites and vultures raising the risk of bird hits during flight operations.
