49 deaths, over 4.8 lakh dog bite cases in one year: Alarming rise across the state

Health Department data reveals a sharp increase in dog bite incidents, with 4,84,448 cases and 49 deaths reported statewide in 2025.

Dog bite incidents are emerging as a serious public health concern in the state, with official data showing a steady and worrying rise in cases year after year. According to records maintained by the Health and Family Welfare Department, as many as 4,84,448 dog bite cases were reported across the state in 2025 alone.

The data further reveals that 49 people lost their lives due to dog bite-related complications during the same year, underlining the severity of the issue. A large proportion of these incidents are attributed to stray dog attacks, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.

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Health officials note that the number of dog bite cases has been increasing consistently every year, putting additional pressure on government hospitals and public health systems. The rising trend has raised concerns over rabies prevention, post-bite treatment availability, and the effectiveness of animal control measures.

The Health and Family Welfare Department’s documentation clearly indicates that despite awareness campaigns and vaccination drives, the scale of dog bite incidents remains high.

With nearly five lakh reported cases in a single year, experts warn that without effective long-term measures, including better stray dog management and public awareness, the situation could worsen further in the coming years.