International Dog Day: Stray dogs surge causes 15% spike in bite cases in Delhi

International Dog Day: The stray dog menace has been hounding the National Capital Region for a fairly long time, leading to a significant rise in animal bite cases. In the past year, there has been over a 15 per cent increase in the number of dog bite cases in Delhi.

From January 1 to July 31, 2024, there were a total of 39,874 cases of dog bites in Delhi, according to data accessed by Patriot from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). In the same period in 2023, there were a total of 33,560 cases.

Out of the total in 2024, 13,427 cases were recorded in hospitals, while 26,447 cases were recorded in Primary Health Centres (PHCs). In 2023, 9,182 cases were recorded in hospitals, while 23,378 cases were recorded in PHCs. Currently, the rise has been noted at 15.83 per cent from 2023 to 2024.

However, authorities at Maharshi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital remain firm in their assertion that rabies cases have decreased. To provide further context, a senior doctor at the facility stated that most of the patients in the rabies ward were from outstation areas.

“There are around 30-35 patients inside the ward, and almost all of them are outstation patients from nearby states. We have not received any patients from Delhi so far. Most patients who are here have been staying for a long time,” the doctor said.

Although a clear upward trend in cases can be observed, doctors emphasise that this rise does not depend on the season and can occur at any time of the year. However, they agree that the dog bite issue is a major cause for concern.

According to the WHO, almost 99 per cent of all rabies cases are caused by dog bites.

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The international organisation states, “Rabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), predominantly affecting marginalized populations. Although effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins exist for rabies, these are often inaccessible or unaffordable to those in need.”

“Rabies spreads through the animal’s saliva, typically via scratches, bites, or direct contact with mucosa, which forms the outer lining of cavities and organs. It can enter through open wounds, eyes, or the mouth, mostly affecting exposed areas. Once the first symptom appears, it is impossible to save the person. It is completely fatal,” said a senior doctor from MVID, who wished to remain anonymous.

Earlier in 2023, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) disclosed in the Rajya Sabha that Delhi had a total of 16,133 dog bite cases reported at central government hospitals. This was considered a 143 per cent rise from the 2022 figure of 6,634.

However, according to MoHFW data, there has been an 85 per cent decrease from 2018 to 2023. The national capital witnessed 107,642 cases in 2018.

MCD sterilises 1.03 lakh stray dogs in 18 months, spends Rs 16.3 crore

According to an MCD report published in July, the corporation sterilised over 1.03 lakh dogs in the 18 months leading up to January 2023. The report also highlighted that the civic body spent Rs 16.30 crore during the course of the initiative.

The MCD operates 20 dog sterilisation centers across Delhi in collaboration with NGOs and private veterinary doctors, under the provisions of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

Of these, 11 NGOs manage 16 centers, while the remaining four are run by veterinary doctors. The highest number of dog sterilisations occurred in March, with 10,123 procedures completed.

In total, 1,03,221 stray dogs were sterilised between October 2022 and March 2024, with expenses amounting to Rs 16,30,82,619. Aside from the sterilisation centers, the MCD has 20 dedicated vehicles and 122 employees tasked with capturing stray animals.

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Experts urge better sterilisation and feeding programs to control rabies

According to Dr Pratyush Saraogi, there are two forms of rabies that can affect a person: furious rabies and paralytic rabies. Furious rabies results in hyperactivity, fear of air and water, hallucinations, and lack of coordination, eventually leading to death through cardio respiratory arrest. Paralytic rabies, on the other hand, is less dramatic and often underreported. It causes paralysis, starting from the wound site and gradually affecting the rest of the body, leading to coma and eventually death.

Noor Verma, an activist with the People for Animals, stated that the increase in dog bite incidents is due to the overpopulation of stray dogs and their resulting hunger.

“The number of stray dog biting incidents has increased due to a lapse in the sterilisation program. The government’s sterilisation initiative has not kept up with the growing stray dog population. This has also caused food scarcity, making the dogs more ferocious as many of them are hungry. Additionally, most societies do not allow feeders inside their premises,” she said.

The only way to prevent such incidents, she said, is to conduct more effective sterilisation drives and establish designated feeding spots in these societies for both cats and dogs.

This will help reduce cases of feral dogs. Dr Anil Sood, a member of the Indian Veterinary Association, stressed that the responsibility of reducing these incidents lies with the MCD.

“The increase in dog bite cases is ultimately the MCD’s responsibility. Dogs are natural hunters, but in cities, they have become accustomed to being fed. When they see a human passing by while they are eating, they sometimes think the person is trying to snatch their food, leading to attacks,” he said.

Dr Sood stressed that the MCD’s failure to control the surge in the stray dog population is the primary issue. He said that the civic authority has sufficient funds and resources, but there is little to show for it. “Moreover, the conditions under which these dogs are kept during sterilisation are subpar, which makes them defensive,” he added.

According to Dr Sood, the only way to tackle the situation is through better outreach from the government and collaboration with veterinarians and animal lovers to sterilise stray dogs effectively.

“Sterilisation should not be limited to just taking in 5,000 or so dogs every two years but should be conducted regularly and uniformly,” he added.