Overview Maharashtra has reported an alarming number of dog bite cases, with over 30 lakh incidents in the last six years, averaging approximately 1,369 cases per day. The Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde , addressed the State Assembly on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 , acknowledging the increase in these cases across both rural and urban areas. Furthermore, 30 deaths due to rabies were recorded between 2021 and 2023 . Key Developments Rising Cases: Over 30 lakh dog bite cases in the last six years . Rabies Deaths: 30 deaths reported between 2021 and 2023 . Government Response: Instructions issued to local bodies to intensify animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination programs. Supreme Court Directions: Actions taken in line with the Supreme Court's directions issued in August 2024 . Implementation of ABC Rules: The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 , are being implemented across the State. Government Initiatives In response to concerns raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sunil Prabhu , the government has taken the following steps: Urban Development Department: Issued instructions to all civic bodies on November 14, 2025 . Rural Local Bodies: Similar directions were given on November 27, 2025 . Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023: Being implemented in accordance with government orders issued in March 2025 . UPSC Relevance This issue is relevant to the UPSC syllabus under the following areas: GS2: Health: Rabies is a significant public health concern, and the measures to control it are important. GS2: Governance: The role of local bodies in implementing public health programs and managing stray animal populations. GS3: Environment: Animal birth control and vaccination programs are crucial for managing the ecological impact of stray animals. GS3: Biotechnology: The development and deployment of anti-rabies vaccines. Exam Perspective This news provides material for both prelims and mains examinations: Prelims: Factual questions on the number of cases, deaths, dates of government directives, and the Animal Birth Control Rules. Mains: Analytical questions on the causes of the increase in dog bite cases, the effectiveness of current programs, and the role of local bodies. Important Facts Dog Bite Cases: Over 30 lakh in the last six years . Daily Average: Approximately 1,369 cases per day. Rabies Deaths: 30 deaths between 2021 and 2023 . ABC Rules Implementation: Since March 2025 . Urban Directive: November 14, 2025 . Rural Directive: November 27, 2025 .