📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / A.Savin
Health
Bombay High Court orders stray dog census, highlights rabies vaccine gaps
✍️ India Today
🗓 10 Oct 2026, 09:16 AM
👁 14
The Bombay High Court has directed authorities to provide data on the city’s stray‑dog population and has pointed out deficiencies in the rabies vaccination programme.
The Bombay High Court recently sought comprehensive data on the stray‑dog census in Mumbai, citing concerns over public health and animal control. The bench observed that existing records are fragmented, making it difficult to gauge the true size of the stray‑dog population and to design effective management strategies.
In addition, the court highlighted gaps in the city’s rabies vaccination coverage, warning that inadequate immunisation could pose a heightened risk to residents, especially children. It urged the municipal corporation and the Animal Welfare Board to submit the requested information within a stipulated timeframe and to outline concrete steps to improve vaccine outreach.
Officials are expected to respond promptly, as the judiciary will monitor compliance to ensure that animal‑control measures and health regulations are effectively implemented.
In addition, the court highlighted gaps in the city’s rabies vaccination coverage, warning that inadequate immunisation could pose a heightened risk to residents, especially children. It urged the municipal corporation and the Animal Welfare Board to submit the requested information within a stipulated timeframe and to outline concrete steps to improve vaccine outreach.
Officials are expected to respond promptly, as the judiciary will monitor compliance to ensure that animal‑control measures and health regulations are effectively implemented.