BMC’s Veterinary Health Department Champions Pet Welfare and Stray Animal Care with Impactful Action

1) To begin with, a personal touch, could you walk us through how your typical day starts, especially as it relates to pets and the broader mission of animal welfare in Mumbai?

As the Head of the Veterinary Health Department at BMC, my day begins with reviewing reports on animal welfare initiatives and stray animal management across Mumbai. My team and I focus on ensuring the effective implementation of our programs, from rabies vaccination drives to pet registration campaigns. Our mission is to promote animal welfare while safeguarding public health, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact.

2) What strategies does the BMC currently employ to address the issue of stray animals in the city, and what challenges remain in this area?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: The BMC employs a multi-faceted approach to manage stray animals, including Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs for stray dogs as well as cats, mass dog rabies vaccination (annual and pulse) drives, tracking dog bite cases and carrying out ring vaccinations in rabies hot spots, robust surveillance, resolution of citizen’s complaints through VHD BMC App, comprehensive data recording and evaluation of these activities, public awareness and primary medical care. The Veterinary Health Department will soon have its own 24/7 Helpline for citizens of Mumbai. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including human-animal conflicts, animal cruelty cases, and a lack of community participation.

3) Can you share some recent success stories or data highlighting the effectiveness of your rabies vaccination initiatives within Mumbai?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: Our rabies vaccination initiatives have shown significant success, with a notable increase in vaccination coverage over the past few years. Recent data indicates a substantial reduction in rabies cases among animals and humans in Mumbai, highlighting the effectiveness of our efforts. We've vaccinated thousands of stray dogs and cats, contributing to a safer community for both humans and animals.

4) What steps has the BMC taken to raise public awareness about the importance and legal requirements of pet registration?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: To raise awareness about pet registration, the BMC has published guidelines relating to pet dogs and stray dogs. The Veterinary Health Department regularly conducts Dog License Camps at Veterinary Clinics, Residential Societies, etc. BMC guidelines are available on this link: https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/irj/go/km/docs/documents/MCGM%20Department%20List/Veterinary%20Health%20Dept/BMC%20Guidelines%20with%20respect%20to%20pet%20dogs%20and%20street%20dogs%2c%20animal%20caretakers%20and%20feeders%2c%20RWAs%20%20and%20AOAs%2c%20Public%20Institutions.pdf

5) Could you elaborate on the current process for pet registration? Are there any plans to further streamline or digitise this process to help more pet owners comply?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: BMC’s pet registration process is exclusively online and involves filling out an online application with owner information, pet details, and the pet’s Rabies & Leptospirosis vaccination records are to be uploaded. Pet License must be renewed annually in a similar manner.

6) What specific penalties or enforcement actions exist for pet owners who fail to register their pets, and how does the BMC monitor adherence to these regulations?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: Pet owners who fail to register their pet dogs can face fines and penalties as per municipal regulations. The BMC conducts regular inspections and responds to public complaints to monitor adherence. Enforcement actions are taken against non-compliant pet owners to ensure public safety and animal welfare.

7) Are there any notable partnerships or community initiatives that have contributed to higher rates or improved efficacy in pet registration and stray management?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: We've partnered with several animal welfare organizations and community groups to enhance pet registration rates and stray management. These partnerships have been instrumental in organizing vaccination drives and awareness programs, contributing to the overall effectiveness of our initiatives.

8) Finally, could you provide the most recent statistics on the number of pets registered in Mumbai so far in 2024, and are there any upcoming programs aimed at increasing registration rates further this year?

Dr. K. A. Pathan: As of the latest data available for the year 2024-25, we've seen a significant number of pet registrations, to the tune of 6000+. We're planning additional awareness campaigns and outreach programs to further increase registration rates. These will include community events, collaborations with pet stores, and veterinary clinics, as well as targeted social media campaigns to reach more pet owners.

Name: Dr. K. A. Pathan

Designation and Department: Head, Veterinary Health Department & General Manager, Deonar Abattoir,

BRIHANMUMBAI MUNICIPAL CORPORATION