Mumbai’s Stray Crisis: 91,000 Animals Fight for Survival
Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, also shelters a vast, largely unseen population: nearly 91,000 community animals. This startling figure emerges from a 2024 joint study by Humane Society International/India (HSI/India) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
While commendable sterilisation drives have yielded positive results, reducing the stray dog population by over 4,400 in the last decade, challenges remain.
The study highlights a critical gap: access to structured medical care for both dogs and the city’s burgeoning stray cat population. Many animals lack basic healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to disease and suffering.
This underscores the urgent need for improved animal welfare infrastructure and resources in Mumbai. The city’s administration must address this issue proactively, ensuring a humane and sustainable solution for its vast community animal population. The well-being of these animals directly reflects the city’s commitment to compassion and responsible urban planning. The lack of adequate care not only impacts animal welfare but also poses potential public health concerns.
