In a recent report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra has emerged as the state with the highest number of reported dog bite cases in India for the year 2023. The data indicates a concerning trend, with over 4.35 lakh cases documented, averaging to 1,192 incidents per day.
Tamil Nadu closely followed with 4,04,488 reported cases, securing the second spot, while Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Karnataka also featured prominently in the list. The overall increase in cases from 2022 to 2023 is alarming, marking an 11.32% rise.
Experts attribute the high incidence of dog bites in Maharashtra to improper sterilization practices, particularly in urban areas like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The unchecked growth in the stray dog population can be linked to inadequate care, food, and medical attention, turning some of these animals aggressive.
A medical professional emphasized that the primary causes of dog bites often stem from packs of male dogs chasing females in heat or protecting their young. Sterilization is recommended as a viable solution, significantly reducing the frequency of such incidents. Additionally, the issue of open roadside trash exacerbates the problem, as hungry dogs may become territorial and bite bystanders in their bid to guard their only source of food.
Animal rights activists underscore the importance of creating awareness among the public regarding this issue. False reporting of dog bites due to a lack of confirmation in government hospitals or civic bodies is a prevalent concern. The Animal Birth Control Rules mandate a fact-finding committee to ensure accurate bite reports, a regulation currently adopted only by Kerala. Educating authorities and the general public is crucial in managing conflicts, with an emphasis on feeding and birth control measures for animals.
Despite concerns, a senior PMC official reassured the public that the city’s immunization and sterilization programs are effective. It is noteworthy that private hospitals are not obligated to report dog bite cases, but rabies cases must be reported. Encouragingly, no rabies-related deaths have been reported in Pune for the past three years.
