Rise in dog bite death cases

The stray dog menace cannot be ignored in the state. It is one of the pressing issues that needs to be addressed immediately, as it has been claiming human lives. Quite often, videos showing young children being bitten by dogs or people being mauled circulate on social media platforms. These visuals are both scary and shocking.
Of late, dog bite cases have become prevalent across the country. The data is alarming. In the last four months alone, as many as eight people have succumbed to dog bite injuries in Tamil Nadu. Data also reveals that 1.5 lakh people have been treated in hospitals for dog bite injuries. The Directorate of Health had declared rabies caused by dog bites a significant health issue in 2014. It has now stated that dog bites have become a threat to human lives.
Government officials say that the number of people who received treatment for dog bites is far higher than those treated for malaria, dengue, cholera, and even road accidents in government hospitals.
Statistics reveal that 18 people died due to dog bites, and 4.41 lakh people were treated for dog bites in government hospitals in 2023. The number of deaths rose to 23 in 2024, while the number of people treated increased to 4.80 lakh. However, specific data related to dog bite cases treated in private hospitals is still unavailable. The number of people who received vaccines in government hospitals has also increased by 50%.
Similarly, the stray dog menace has been rising in Coimbatore as well. In the last six months, more than 4,400 people have been treated for dog bites at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. Between January and June 2023, 13,153 people were administered the rabies vaccine at the hospital alone.
In response to the rise in dog bite cases, the state government has announced rabies prevention measures. These will be carried out by the civic body in association with the district administration and the Animal Husbandry Department. The measures include conducting a census of stray dogs and vaccinating them.
Since dog bite deaths primarily occur due to the absence of proper vaccination, public awareness needs to be increased. People especially children must be protected from stray dogs. Controlling the dog population through sterilization has become the need of the hour, and the state government should take immediate and decisive action.