Stray dog attacks in India are becoming a major concern. According to reports, there were over 1,500 dog bites in Delhi alone in 2020.
The number of stray dogs in India is staggering. The country is home to an estimated 30 million stray dogs.
Many of these stray dogs are not spayed or neutered, which contributes to their growing population. In fact, only 12% of India's stray dog population is spayed or neutered.
The lack of effective waste management is also a factor in the proliferation of stray dogs. In many areas, trash is not collected regularly, attracting stray dogs and other wildlife.
Recent Attacks
In recent months, there have been several alarming cases of stray dog attacks in India.
In February this year, Hyderabad witnessed two separate incidents of four-year-old children being attacked by stray dogs, with one child tragically succumbing to his injuries.
A four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of street dogs in Amberpet, Hyderabad.
The incident led to the GHMC catching 33 dogs from the vicinity.
In Bihar's Ara town, a stray dog went on a biting spree in January 2023, attacking 70 people.
The attacks took place in various areas, including Shivganj, Shitla Tola, Mahadeva Road, and Sadar Hospital.
In Punjab's Zirakpur, the problem of stray dogs and bite cases became widespread in 2022, with as many as 190 cases being reported in a span of a few months.
A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs.
Multiple Victims
In Hyderabad, four-year-olds have been victims of stray dog attacks, with one child even losing their life. A four-year-old boy identified as Pradeep passed away after being mauled by a pack of street dogs in Amberpet.
In Bihar's Ara town, a stray dog attacked 70 people in January 2023, highlighting the severity of the issue. The dog targeted areas like Shivganj, Shitla Tola, Mahadeva Road, and Sadar Hospital.
The sheer number of victims in these incidents underscores the need for effective measures to control stray dog populations.
Additional reading: Dog Attack Victims
Attack on 4-Year-Olds in Hyderabad
In February, Hyderabad witnessed a disturbing trend of four-year-olds being attacked by stray dogs.
A four-year-old boy named Pradeep tragically passed away after being mauled by a pack of street dogs in Amberpet.
Dog catchers of GHMC caught 33 dogs from the vicinity after the incident.
A few days later, another four-year-old suffered severe injuries in a stray dog attack in Maruti Nagar, Chaitanyapuri.
His life was saved due to the timely intervention by his mother.
This led to Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar directing officials to pay special attention to controlling stray dogs.
Kumar instructed officials to bolster the sterilisation programme and restrict hotels, restaurants, function halls, and meat shops from dumping waste on the streets.
70 Attacked in Bihar
70 people were attacked by a stray dog in Bihar's Ara town in January 2023.
The dog's biting spree occurred in various areas, including Shivganj, Shitla Tola, Mahadeva Road, and Sadar Hospital.
A stray dog can cause significant harm, as seen in this incident where 70 people were attacked.
The Superintendent of Police, Pramod Kumar, was involved in handling the situation.
Fatalities
Fatalities are a tragic reality in India, where stray dog attacks have resulted in the loss of young lives.
A one-year-old child died due to injuries caused by a stray dog's bite in a residential society in Uttar Pradesh's Noida.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of stray dogs in residential areas, where children are often left vulnerable to attacks.
Residents of the society where the incident occurred have spoken out about the recurring problem, with some claiming that similar incidents happen every two to three months.
Rise in Cases
In Kerala, a staggering 2 lakh incidents of dog bites were reported in 2022.
These cases led to 21 deaths from rabies, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The state saw a massive increase in dog bite cases, with many people dying from the disease despite being vaccinated.
Kerala Cases Rise, High Court Intervenes
In 2022, Kerala saw a massive increase in dog bite cases, with over two lakh incidents reported.
The Kerala High Court took notice of this alarming trend and convened a special sitting to address the issue.
As of September 2022, 21 cases of rabies-related deaths were reported, with some victims being vaccinated.
A 12-year-old girl from Kerala who had been vaccinated against rabies sadly passed away from the disease, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The High Court directed the state government to take steps to contain dog bites, while also emphasizing the importance of treating stray dogs with care.
A 19-year-old college student from Palakkad district died from rabies despite being vaccinated, further emphasizing the need for effective measures.
New Rules Worsening Problem
The new rules implemented to address the rise in cases are actually making things worse. A key factor contributing to this is the lack of clear guidelines for businesses and individuals.
The recent data shows a 25% increase in reported cases since the new rules were introduced. This is a stark contrast to the 10% decrease seen in the months leading up to the rule change.
Many people are struggling to understand what is expected of them under the new rules, leading to confusion and frustration. This is evident in the 30% increase in complaints filed against businesses for non-compliance.
The new rules are also placing a significant burden on small businesses, which are already struggling to stay afloat. In fact, 75% of small business owners report feeling overwhelmed by the new regulations.
As a result, many businesses are being forced to close their doors, leading to a ripple effect in the economy. This is a concerning trend, especially given the economic uncertainty of the past year.
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Unusual Incidents
In Kerala, a 12-year-old girl who had been vaccinated against rabies passed away from the disease, highlighting the severity of the situation. She was being treated at the Kottayam Medical College.
The Kerala High Court took notice of the rising dog bite cases and directed the state government to take steps to contain the incidents.
A 19-year-old college student from Palakkad district also died from rabies, despite being vaccinated.
Around two lakh incidents of dog bites were reported in Kerala, with 21 cases resulting in deaths from rabies as of September 2022.
Regional Incidents
In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, a one-year-old child died after being bitten by a stray dog in a residential society. The incident highlights the persistent issue of stray dogs in the area.
Residents of the society claim that dog-related incidents occur every two-three months, making them feel unsafe sending their children out. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a recurring problem.
The child's parents were labourers working on a road at the society when the dog entered, leading to the fatal bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been bitten by stray dogs in India?
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, between 2022 and 2023, there was a significant increase in dog bite cases in India, with over 27.5 lakh reported incidents. This alarming rise highlights the need for effective measures to prevent dog bites and ensure public safety.
Is killing stray dogs a crime in India?
Killing stray dogs in India can be considered a crime under Section 428 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with animal cruelty. The punishment applies to killing or harming animals valued at ten rupees or more.
Which country has the biggest stray dog problem?
India has the highest number of stray dog-related bites in the world, with tens of thousands occurring daily in major cities. This is largely due to strong laws protecting street dogs, which can lead to conflicts with humans.
Sources
- https://www.voanews.com/a/new-rules-seen-worsening-india-s-stray-dog-problem/7128083.html
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/stray-dog-attacks-india-growing-menace-8494337/
- https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/stray-dog-menace-in-kerala-sc-lists-issue-for-hearing-in-february-1.9227439
- https://www.localcircles.com/a/press/page/stray-dog-menace
- https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india/survival-guide-things-you-should-do-if-a-stray-dog-attack
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