Menace of stray dogs in Nashik city
Nashik:
Dog bite cases are rising sharply across Nashik district, with the number surging more than 60% in two years. The worrying trend comes as Nashik Civil Hospital prepares to mark World Rabies Day on Sept 28 with a special awareness programme.Dog bite cases jumped from 26,251 in 2023-24 to 29,281 in 2024-25. They then shot up to 43,039 in 2025-26. Another 10,455 cases were reported in the first three months of 2026-27, up to June.Rabies cases and deaths have also risen. The district recorded three rabies cases and one death in 2023-24. This increased to four cases, all fatal, in 2024-25. In 2025-26, 14 cases and 12 deaths were reported. Four cases and three deaths have already been recorded up to June this year.Nashik Civil Hospital has recorded the highest number of dog bite cases among government hospitals. “Civil Hospital recorded the highest number of dog bite cases at 11,197. This is mainly because it is located within the city and a large number of people prefer it when seeking treatment at a govt hospital,” paediatrician Dr Avinash Gore said.Malegaon General Hospital recorded 4,228 cases, while Manmad Sub-District Hospital treated 3,427, he added.The numbers reflect growing concern over stray dogs across Nashik city and the district. Residents complain of packs chasing two-wheeler riders, barking at pedestrians and attacking people on streets.“The menace of stray dogs is decades old and the govt machinery has failed to address it. Civic bodies carry out sterilisation programmes, but the number of stray dogs keeps increasing,” industrial employee Sanjay Bagul said.“People going for morning walks and those returning home late from work are constantly worried about stray dogs. Their concerns are never addressed,” he added.The frustration spilled over into an unusual protest in Niphad earlier this month. Yuva Sena workers released four to five stray pups inside the Niphad Nagar Panchayat office and placed them on the chief officer’s table. They alleged that repeated complaints about dog attacks and road safety had gone unaddressed.Against this backdrop, Nashik Civil Hospital will hold a special programme on World Rabies Day to raise awareness about dog bites and rabies.