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Thane to relocate only 300 stray dogs amid 40,000-strong population as bite cases surge
Thane Municipal Corporation plans to permanently relocate about 300 stray dogs from high-risk public spaces in line with a Supreme Court directive, even as the city and state face a sharp rise in dog bite cases. A new shelter at Majiwada is being developed to house relocated dogs and those under the ABC programme, with care facilities including ICU and operation theatres.
Why It Matters
The decision underscores ongoing debates over public safety, animal welfare, and the effectiveness of relocation models in reducing dog bite incidents.
Timeline
11 Events
Estimated stray dog population in TMC limits
May 10, 2026
The stray dog population within the Thane Municipal Corporation limits is estimated at 40,000.
Earlier year dog bite data reported
May 10, 2026
The state previously reported 1.52 million dog bite cases and 33 rabies deaths in 2025, up from 1.141 million bites in 2024.
Maharashtra dog bite and rabies data (Jan–Mar 2026)
May 10, 2026
State data show 499,553 dog bite cases and 19 rabies deaths in January–March 2026; fatalities include two in Thane and cases across Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mumbai and other districts.
Opposition questions effectiveness of the plan
May 10, 2026
Opposition leader Shanu Pathan criticized relocating only 300 dogs, arguing it will not meaningfully improve resident safety and suggesting locating and managing a larger shelter away from residential areas.
Cost of stray dog management per animal
May 10, 2026
The cost of handling a single dog (capture, sterilisation, treatment, recovery and release) is estimated at ₹6,000 to ₹10,000.
Process timeline for capture, sterilisation and recovery
May 10, 2026
Officials said the process from capture and surgery to treatment and release will take between 10 days and one month, depending on recovery conditions.
Shelter features including ICU and operation theatres
May 10, 2026
The facility will include two operation theatres, an intensive care unit and dedicated recovery rooms.
New shelter at Majiwada to house relocated and ABC dogs
May 10, 2026
A new dog shelter beneath the Majiwada Flyover will be developed with capacity for 350 permanently relocated dogs and 100 ABC programme dogs.
Plan to relocate 300 stray dogs to new shelter
May 10, 2026
Dr Prasad Patil stated that 300 stray dogs in hospital, court, school and bus depot premises would be removed from those locations and relocated to a new shelter.
TMC identifies high-risk locations and plans capture
May 10, 2026
The Thane Municipal Corporation surveyed sensitive locations and identified 259 stray dogs residing within premises such as hospitals, schools, courts and bus depots, with a plan to capture 300 dogs for relocation.
Supreme Court directs removal of stray dogs from high-risk spaces
May 10, 2026
The Supreme Court directed municipal authorities to remove stray dogs from high-risk public spaces such as hospitals, schools, courts and transport hubs, and relocate them to designated shelters instead of releasing them back into the same areas.