Close to 1700 cases of dog bites were reported in 2024 in Uran taluka, raising serious questions at the government’s efforts to tackle the situation. The situation has escalated to a point where citizens are wary of stepping out, especially during early mornings and late nights, as packs of aggressive stray dogs roam freely.

As many as 1,700 dog bite cases were reported in 2024, Dr. B.M. Kalel, medical superintendent at the Indira Gandhi Rural Hospital said. About 150 dog bite cases are recorded every month.

On March 12, a five-year-old boy, Amit Sundarban, living in a slum at Dronagiri Node, became the latest victim of a dog attack. The injured child was immediately rushed to Indira Gandhi Rural Hospital for treatment by Vinayak Mahadev Kaskar, a social activist.

The hospital’s handling of emergency cases also came under scrutiny, as Kaskar alleged Amit had to wait 2.5 hours for treatment.

The issue of dog attacks has been escalating. A few months ago, 13 residents of Khopta village were bitten by stray dogs, requiring urgent medical attention at hospitals in Uran and Navi Mumbai. One person from Ransai lost his life due to severe dog bite injuries, while a doctor at JNPA Hospital was attacked by stray dogs.

"Packs of stray dogs roam aggressively, especially at night and early morning, creating panic among residents," said Dinesh Patil, a concerned local.

Frustrated by the rising attacks, residents raised the issue during the Uran General Meeting, demanding sterilization and rabies prevention measures. Responding to the concerns, MLA Mahesh Baldi assured that necessary steps, including sterilization of stray dogs, would be taken to ensure public safety.