Archive · 23 Jul 2025
India Faces Rising Dog Bite Cases and Rabies Concerns
Many people in India are getting bitten by dogs, with over 3.7 million cases reported in 2024.
This is a big problem because rabies, a deadly disease, is often spread through dog bites.
India has a large number of rabies deaths each year, mostly affecting children.
The government is working to stop rabies by 2030.
Some places, like Karnataka, are seeing a rise in dog bites.
Cities are trying different solutions, such as feeding dogs to catch them for vaccinations and sterilization.
Kerala is also taking steps to control the stray dog population to reduce the risk of bites and rabies.
Over 3.7 million dog bite cases were reported in 2024, according to the Centre.
India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, with an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 fatalities annually.
Karnataka has seen a sharp increase in dog bite cases and rabies deaths in the past six months.
Bengaluru's civic body plans to feed street dogs to facilitate sterilization and vaccination.
Kerala is planning a crackdown on stray dogs, including mobile sterilization units and euthanasia for seriously ill animals.
- Who
- Public, local government officials, and the central government.
- What
- A rise in dog bite cases and concerns about rabies in India.
- When
- Data from 2024 is being analyzed with plans for future action.
- Where
- India, with specific focus on states like Karnataka and Kerala.
- Why
- To address the health and safety concerns of dog bites and prevent rabies deaths.
Advocates for Animal Welfare
Public Health Officials
Management of Stray Dogs
Advocates for Animal Welfare
Advocates for humane methods like sterilization and vaccination.
Public Health Officials
Advocates for euthanasia of sick animals to prevent rabies spread and control population.
- Total Dog Bite Cases in 2024
- 3,717,336
- Suspected Human Rabies Deaths
- 54
- Global Rabies Deaths - India
- 36%
- Estimated Annual Rabies Fatalities
- 18,000 to 20,000
- Karnataka Dog Bite Cases (past 6 months)
- Over 230,000
- Karnataka Rabies Deaths (past 6 months)
- 19
- Bengaluru Feeding Plan
- Rs 2.88 crore