International Dog Day Sparks Concern Over Rising Dog Bite Cases in Delhi
International Dog Day Highlights Stray Dog Crisis
International Dog Day raises awareness about the growing stray dog population impacting safety in urban areas. In Delhi, there has been a staggering 15% spike in dog bite cases.
Current Statistics on Dog Bites
- 39,874 reported dog bite cases from January to July 2024.
- Increase from 33,560 cases in the same duration in 2023.
- Majority of cases reported in hospitals and Primary Health Centres.
Rabies and Public Health
Despite rising dog bite incidents, rabies cases have reportedly declined, as emphasized by the staff at Maharshi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital. However, the threat of rabies remains, due to its high fatality rate once symptoms appear.
MCD and Dog Sterilisation Initiatives
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has undertaken significant efforts to sterilise stray dogs, spending Rs 16.30 crore to sterilise over 1.03 lakh dogs. The challenge remains to manage the growing feral dog population effectively.
Experts' Recommendations
Veterinary professionals and activists suggest enhanced sterilisation and designated feeding programs to mitigate the issues caused by an uncontrolled stray dog population.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.