Screams for help, pack of growling stray dogs, hapless children or the aged, all helpless victims of canine terror on the roads — anywhere in India – is the grim reality, like it happened at Madurai in Tamil Nadu recently.
An eight-year-old boy and his father were attacked by a stray dog that boldly entered their front yard and bit them, leaving the boy scared and scarred. Something that happens to hundreds of children, mostly and even defenceless aged, is the grim reality of current-day India.
Luckily, the Madurai boy escaped with injuries, but several have not been so lucky. Instances of wild stray dogs mauling children have been reported from different parts of the country. According to figures from the government, 54 human rabies deaths due to stray dog attacks took place in 2024.
In a reply, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S. P. Singh Baghel, mentioned that over 37.17 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths were reported across the country in 2024.
Baghel said that it is the responsibility of the municipalities to control the population of stray dogs, and under this, they are implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program.
He informed that his ministry had issued an advisory to the states in November 2024, directing them to implement the ABC program and related activities through local bodies, so that especially small children can be saved from stray dog attacks.
Almost anywhere in India, these stray dogs rule the streets, be it a village, a town or a city and attack whoever they fancy, at any time of the day or night.
Now consider these numbers: In 2024 alone, over 37 lakh people were victims of stray dog bites, and many of them scarred for life. And most dangerously, these attacks have killed 54 people in just one year alone, highlighting the problem that stares the nation in the face.
There is an instance from Chennai in the year 2023, when a rabid dog attacked and injured 29 people within hours – an instance Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha MP, Karti Chidambaram, raised in the Parliament. Why, he even called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to highlight the stray dog crisis to urge him to constitute a National Task Force to address this issue and declare it a Public Health disaster.
Chidambaram told News24 that he had been constantly raising this issue at all available forums and said, “This is not about animal rights anymore, it is about human survival.”
With over 62 million stray dogs and India accounting for over a third of global rabies deaths, his words reflect a nation on edge.
The Governance Gap: A System Overwhelmed
Karti Chidambaram, speaking to News 24, warned of the public threat from India’s 6.2 crore stray dogs, noting the country accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths and spends $150 million on vaccines.
Chidambaram also cited the alarming incident from Chennai and said, “Recently in Chennai, a single dog bit 29 people, all of whom had to be hospitalised. Tests later confirmed that the dog was rabid. Neither the Ministry of Animal Husbandry nor the Ministry of Health takes responsibility for such incidents. Local bodies lack both the funding and the expertise to implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules effectively. I urge the Prime Minister to constitute a National Task Force to address this issue through proper funding and execution.”
Supreme Court Intervenes: Legal Action and Feeding Guidelines
Describing the situation as “alarming and disturbing,” the Supreme Court took notice after a news report about the tragic death of six-year-old Chavi Sharma in Delhi. She was bitten by a rabid stray dog on June 30 in Pooth Kalan and succumbed to rabies on July 26 despite treatment.
The court said the incident shows a major failure in controlling stray dog threats and providing timely treatment. On July 15, it warned against feeding stray dogs in public, urging feeding at home for safety.
Responding to a Noida resident’s complaint about harassment while feeding stray dogs, the court remarked, “Why don’t you feed them in your house?”
Veterinary Expert Explains Behaviour of Stray Dogs
Veterinary expert Dr Abhishek explains rising human-stray dog conflicts. “It’s important to understand the difference between pets and domesticated animals. Stray dogs once scavenged for food but now live alongside humans, though their wild instincts remain,” he told News 24.
Dogs’ aggression stems from territory defence. “They chase outsiders and can be more aggressive at night. Slowing down or stopping often calms them,” he added.
“These dogs were scavengers and still search garbage for food; their wild nature persists despite living near humans,” he noted.
He cautioned, “Feeding stray dogs regularly creates a territory they defend aggressively.”
Stray Dogs Are Sterilised and Vaccinated, Says Noida Authority
According to RK Sharma, Senior Manager, Public Health, Noida Authority, actions against the stray dog menace follow the Animal Birth Control (ABC) scheme. “We sterilise stray dogs and vaccinate them against rabies. Injured dogs are treated and released back to where they were found,” he told News 24.
He stated that four vehicles are dedicated to rescuing injured dogs and providing care. “Aggressive dogs are caught, trained for about 15 days, and released back.”
“We pick up 15–20 dogs daily for sterilisation, vaccinate them, and release them after 4–5 days.”
Victims Share Their Harrowing Stories
Delhi-NCR, Noida Sector 27 – A Student’s Terrifying Experience
Shrishti, a Noida college student, shared a frightening experience with News 24. In December 2024, while heading to college, a stray dog chasing a car suddenly bit her leg. It became aggressive until shopkeepers and passersby intervened.
Greater Noida – “Didn’t Even Get A Chance To Run Away”
Dhruv, a resident of Gautam Buddh Nagar, had a terrifying encounter in December 2024. While walking in a quiet area one evening, a restless brown dog near a shop suddenly growled, pounced, and bit his leg without provocation. “I didn’t even get a chance to run away. It bit my leg — it hurt like someone had touched it with something burning. I screamed and fell backwards. Somehow I freed myself and ran away,” Dhruv told News 24.
Gurugram – “Dog Tore Off My Piece of Skin When I Tried to Pet It”
A Gurugram woman was suddenly attacked by Charlie, a familiar stray dog near her friend’s house. Though she felt at ease seeing him, the dog bit her leg and tore off skin when she tried to pet him. “I had to rush to the hospital. That incident taught me that no matter how familiar a dog is, its behaviour is unpredictable. It is important to always be cautious,” she said.
Dog Lover’s Take
Aditya, a local resident who regularly feeds stray dogs, shared how communities can support these animals without causing inconvenience.
“There are many stray dogs roaming around. We can’t bring all home, but those who feed them can set up small shelters to feed them regularly, so dogs get food in one place and no one is inconvenienced,” he told News 24.
“We shouldn’t send them away with dog catchers immediately. Caring people can create spaces for shelter and protection from the weather. Dogs also help maintain safety in the area. Shelters are overcrowded and often neglect dogs. At least here, people feed them. But if you feed them, make sure they are vaccinated.”
Rabies Is the Only Real Risk, says Noida Dog Shelter Owner
Parul, who runs a dog shelter in Noida Sector 75, told News 24 that rabies is the only infection from dogs that risks humans. She said, “To prevent rabies, children should get vaccinated. A rabid dog shows signs like drooling, no eye contact, strange walking, refusing food or water, and a bad smell. If bitten by a stray dog, always get a rabies vaccine. Also, if adopting a stray, take it to a vet and follow proper procedures.”
Tragic Stray Dog Attacks Across India
Rewa, Madhya Pradesh:
14-year-old Nitin was bitten by a stray dog on June 16 while returning from school. Despite receiving an anti-rabies injection, his condition worsened, and he later died.
Ghaziabad:
A three-year-old boy bitten by a stray dog on June 25, 2025, died on July 19 despite vaccination. His death was registered as a probable rabies case, though unconfirmed.
Alwar, Rajasthan:
A young woman was attacked by eight stray dogs near her home. Rescuers intervened and took her to the hospital for treatment.
Goa:
In December 2024, two elderly foreign tourists were attacked by stray dogs at Mobor Beach and were rescued by lifeguards. In April 2025, a 6-year-old Russian girl was scratched by dogs while playing football on the beach.
Chennai:
Multiple attacks occurred, including a 13-year-old boy in Tondiarpet and a 51-year-old man in Maduravoyal. Earlier, a 5-year-old girl was attacked by two Rottweilers. Injured victims were hospitalised, and the Greater Chennai Corporation captured the offending dogs.
Bengaluru:
In August 2024, 76-year-old retired teacher Rajdulari Sinha died after being attacked by 10-12 stray dogs during a morning walk near her home in Jalahalli’s Air Force residential area.
Stray dog attacks demand compassionate, community-backed solutions like sterilisation, vaccination, and dedicated feeding zones. Stronger authority support and public awareness are essential for lasting safety and trust.
