Eknath Shinde Assembly Statement: Big revelation in Maharashtra Assembly, Eknath Shinde said

Shocking figures have come to light regarding the increasing menace of stray dogs in Maharashtra (Eknath Shinde Assembly Statement). Deputy Chief Minister of the State Eknath Shinde While giving information in the Assembly, he said that in the last six years, about 30 lakh people have been bitten by dogs in the state. This figure is based on cases recorded between 2020 and 2026 and is considered a serious challenge to public health.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in a written reply given in the House, also said that between 2021 and 2023, at least 30 people have died due to rabies infection due to dog bites. He admitted that there has been a significant increase in the number of stray dogs in both rural and urban areas, which has led to a spurt in such incidents.

Many major cities and districts of the state are more affected by this problem (Eknath Shinde Assembly Statement). The number of stray dogs has increased rapidly in areas like Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Vasai-Virar, Sangli, Bhiwandi, Raigarh and Jalna, which has further increased the challenge of control before the local administration. In view of the continuously increasing cases in these areas, the government has instructed the concerned departments to take necessary steps.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that a government order has been issued in January 2026 to prevent the entry of stray dogs in tourist places and government premises. Apart from this, local bodies have been instructed to effectively implement sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination campaigns, so that the number of dogs and the risk of infection can be controlled.

He also said that following the directions of the Supreme Court, guidelines have been issued to the urban and rural bodies of the state in November 2025 (Eknath Shinde Assembly Statement). Under this, emphasis is being laid on implementing Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and ensuring sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs.

This issue has now become a matter of public health and safety, not just animal control. Despite the steps being taken by the government, the increasing cases have posed a major challenge to both the administration and the society.