Pune’s stray dog dilemma unfolds on its streets, as MLA Mahesh Landge pushes for the 'Delhi Pattern' solution, covered by puneripages.in.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
Can the ‘Delhi Model’ Solve Pune’s Stray Dog Crisis? MLA Landge Demands New Action
Hey Pune folks, if you’ve walked the streets lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have: packs of stray dogs darting around, while some neighbors flinch and others leave out food with care. It’s a heart-wrenching tug-of-war between fear and compassion, and now BJP MLA Mahesh Landge has thrown a bold idea into the mix. On August 12, 2025, he urged the Maharashtra government to adopt the “Delhi Pattern”—a plan inspired by the Supreme Court’s recent orders—to tackle the rising stray dog menace in cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. As someone who’s lived this city’s ups and downs, I’m diving deep into this debate to bring you the full story.
Table of Contents
What is the ‘Delhi Pattern’ for managing stray dogs?
The “Delhi Pattern” comes from a Supreme Court order on August 11, 2025, aimed at curbing the stray dog crisis in Delhi-NCR. MLA Landge highlighted its key steps in his letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh. Here’s what it involves:
- Immediate removal of all stray dogs from streets.
- Setting up shelters within eight weeks.
- Keeping detailed records and ensuring no dogs are released back.
- Launching a helpline for dog bite reports within a week.
- Publishing a list of rabies vaccine facilities.
- Taking legal action against those obstructing the effort, including animal activists.
Landge believes this aggressive approach could work for Maharashtra’s cities—Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and beyond—where attacks on kids, seniors, and others, sometimes ending in rabies deaths, are on the rise. He’s pushing for a special campaign to count dogs, build shelters, fund local bodies, and start statewide vaccination drives.
Explainer Box: What is the ‘Delhi Pattern’?
- Core Strategy: Mass-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination.
- Key Pillars:
- High-Volume Sterilization: Targeting a majority of dogs to control population humanely.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with feeders and RWAs to manage dog zones.
- Adoption Drives: Encouraging adoption of street dogs.
- Shelter for the Un-releasable: Housing aggressive or sick dogs that can’t return.
- Contrast with Pune: Pune’s ABC program, run by PCMC and PMC, has been patchy. Experts say it hasn’t hit the critical sterilization numbers needed, unlike Delhi’s more centralized push.
Why are Pune residents concerned about the number of stray dogs?
Walking through neighborhoods like Wakad or Aundh, I’ve heard the same worry from parents and elders. One mother shared, “We can’t let our kids play outside in the evening. It’s not about hating dogs; it’s about being terrified of a bite.” The fear is real, with rabies cases and attacks making headlines. Landge echoed this, noting the issue’s been raised in the Assembly, pointing to a public health crisis.
On the flip side, I caught up with a local feeder from RESQ Charitable Trust, who said, “The problem isn’t the dogs; it’s the lack of a consistent, scientific sterilization program. Culling or removing them is both inhumane and ineffective.” These advocates see strays as part of our urban fabric, pleading for solutions that don’t just sweep the issue under the rug.
How can I report a dog-related issue to the PCMC/PMC?
As your local guide, I want to empower you with action steps. If you’re worried about safety, call the PCMC helpline at 020-27426000 or PMC’s at 020-25501200 to report bites or request sterilization. If you’re keen to help, connect with RESQ (resqct.org) or other NGOs for adoption or feeding tips—like feeding in fixed spots and cleaning up to avoid tension.
What You Can Do
- If Concerned About Safety: Dial 020-27426000 (PCMC) or 020-25501200 (PMC) for bite reports or sterilization requests.
- If Wanting to Help Responsibly: Join RESQ or feed dogs at designated spots, ensuring cleanliness to maintain harmony.
The Bigger Picture
I reached out to PCMC’s veterinary department, and a senior official admitted, “We sterilize around 5,000 dogs annually, but that’s a drop in the bucket with an estimated 30,000 strays in Pimpri-Chinchwad alone. The ‘Delhi Pattern’ needs massive funding and coordination we’re still working on.” They’re open to Landge’s proposal but stressed the challenge of uniting residents and animal lovers. The Supreme Court’s rulings back both public safety and the right to feed dogs, making this a tightrope walk.
There’s no magic fix here. Experts agree it’ll take political will, cash, and community cooperation. Landge’s call is a spark—whether it lights a solution or just more debate, we’ll see. As a Puneite, I hope it leads to safer streets without losing our city’s heart. Stay tuned, friends!
— Reported by puneripages.in, your local voice, at 04:37 AM IST, August 13, 2025.
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