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More than 3.7 million cases of dog bites and 54 suspected human rabies deaths have been reported across India in 2024, according to a statement provided in the Lok Sabha by SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Key Highlights
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Dog Bite Incidents: Over 37 lakh (3.7 million) people have suffered dog bites so far in 2024.
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Rabies Fatalities: 54 suspected deaths due to human rabies have been recorded during this period.
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Government Measures: The minister underlined that the responsibility for managing stray dog populations lies with municipal bodies. These local authorities are expected to control stray dog numbers to minimize such incidents.
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Animal Birth Control Programme: The government is actively implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, which focuses on regulating stray dog populations through neutering and anti-rabies vaccinations.
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Legislation and Guidelines: The Centre has notified the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to improve accountability and efficacy in stray dog management.
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Advisories to States: In 2024, the ministry issued a fresh advisory to all states, urging them to execute the ABC Programme and related initiatives at the local level, especially to ensure child safety.
Government’s Focus
The measures aim not just to curb the stray dog population, but also to reduce the risk of dog bites and prevent fatal rabies cases. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules mandate the neutering and vaccination of stray dogs, making local bodies responsible for implementation. The government has reiterated its commitment to public safety, especially for children, in its recent advisory to states.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on government statements and publicly available data as of July 2025. The reported figures for dog bite incidents and rabies deaths are provisional and may be subject to revision as more data becomes available. Readers are advised to consult official health authorities for the latest updates on public health measures related to animal management and rabies prevention.
