Dog bite crisis in Karnataka: Over 90,000 cases in three years, Bengaluru alone accounts for 70%

Sharp rise in dog attack incidents puts Bengaluru under the spotlight as the government steps up vaccination, sterilisation and awareness drives.

Karnataka has witnessed an alarming rise in dog attack incidents, recording a total of 90,248 cases over the past three years, official data from the municipal administration department reveals. Of these, Bengaluru alone accounted for 63,858 cases, which is more than 70% of the total, highlighting the severity of the problem in the state capital.

The remaining districts across Karnataka reported 26,395 dog bite incidents during the same period. Bengaluru’s figures show a 16% increase compared to 2023 and 2025, when 21,163 and 24,492 cases were recorded respectively. The year 2024 saw a slight dip, with 18,198 cases reported.

Replying to a question in the Assembly during the special legislature session, Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan said the government is intensifying efforts to curb the menace, particularly in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits. Measures include large-scale vaccination drives, monitoring of suspected rabid and aggressive dogs at designated centres, and public awareness campaigns focused on neutering and vaccination.

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He also said steps are being taken to identify designated feeding spots in residential complexes and public spaces to ensure public safety without inconveniencing residents.

The government has significantly increased spending to control the issue. Over three years, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination programme covered 5.8 lakh dogs across Karnataka, with 76% of these interventions carried out in Bengaluru. The total expenditure stood at nearly ₹45 crore, of which around 60% was spent in the state capital alone.

However, compensation data shows a contrasting picture. Of the ₹23.8 lakh paid as compensation to dog bite victims statewide, Bengaluru received only 25%. Under government rules, victims are eligible for compensation of up to ₹5,000 for treatment, and ₹5 lakh in cases of death caused by rabid dog attacks.