The issue of stray dogs in Gujarat has become a significant public health concern. Recent reports highlight a staggering number of dog bite cases in the state. In fact, Gujarat sees over 2.41 lakh dog bite incidents each year, which translates to around 700 cases daily. This alarming rate raises serious questions about public safety and animal welfare.
One of the most affected areas is Ahmedabad. The city’s Civil Hospital in Asarwa recorded more than 29,000 animal bite cases in the past year, averaging 33 dog bites each day. Dr Rakesh Joshi, the hospital superintendent, noted that 95% of these cases are due to dog bites. The trend between 2023 and 2025 shows that the hospital treated 17,789 men, 5,696 women, and 5,721 children for animal bites. Dr Joshi emphasised the urgent need for medical attention after any bite to prevent severe complications, especially rabies.
Rabies poses a serious threat as it is transmitted mainly through the saliva of infected, unvaccinated animals, particularly dogs. Once the rabies virus enters the body, it attacks the central nervous system, typically reaching the brain and spinal cord within 3 to 12 weeks. Without prompt treatment, rabies can lead to paralysis, coma, and ultimately death. Therefore, immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial to halt the virus’s progression.
Public health experts are calling for increased awareness, early intervention, and stronger vaccination initiatives for both animals and humans to combat the spread of rabies in Gujarat.
In Surat, the situation is similarly dire. Residents of Balaji Krupa Society in the Palanpur Patiya locality are facing daily challenges due to aggressive stray dogs. Over the past year and a half, more than 100 people from this society have reported dog bites. Many residents, especially women and children, are fearful of leaving their homes. In response, locals have protested, demanding action from authorities. Despite submitting numerous complaints to the municipal corporation, no significant measures have been taken to address the issue.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has recognised the need to tackle the stray dog problem. Starting in January 2025, the AMC will require pet dog registration as part of the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination from India. This initiative aims to create a data bank of pet dogs and their vaccination status. Pet owners will register online, providing necessary documents and photographs, with a minimal registration fee.
This plan comes as a response to the growing stray dog population and the increase in dog bite incidents in Ahmedabad, which have risen from around 6,000 to 6,500 per month in recent years. The AMC has also achieved approximately 90% sterilisation of stray dogs under its five-year initiative, and officials believe this will gradually reduce the stray dog population.
The concern for public safety has intensified following tragic incidents, including the death of a prominent local figure who suffered fatal injuries while fleeing from a pack of stray dogs. Such events underline the urgent need to find effective solutions to the stray dog menace in Gujarat.
As Gujarat continues to grapple with this issue, public health experts and local authorities must collaborate to ensure the safety of residents while also addressing the welfare of the animals involved. Increased awareness and proactive measures are essential to prevent further tragedies and protect both people and dogs in the community.
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