Maharashtra records highest dog bites in India in 2023 ; reveals report
Maharashtra records highest dog bites in India in 2023 ; reveals report (representational image)
Based on data released by the Union Ministry of Health and family welfare recently, Maharashtra reported the highest number of dog bite cases in 2023.
In the state last year, there were over 4.35 lakh dog bite cases reported, or 1,192 incidents per day.
With 4,04,488 cases, Tamil Nadu came in second, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Karnataka.
The number of cases increased by 11.32% in 2023 over 2022. Maharashtra’s high case reporting rate was attributed by officials to the state.
Experts said that the majority of cases were recorded in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, suggesting that improper sterilization practices contributed to an uncontrolled increase in the number of stray dogs. In addition, giving stray animals inadequate or incorrect care, food, and medical attention can cause illnesses and even turn them aggressive.
According to a doctor, the most frequent causes of dog bites are packs of males chasing females who are in heat or dogs protecting their young from harm. These problems can be resolved by sterilizing both male and female dogs; although bites may not totally vanish, they will certainly decline. Roadside trash lying open is another problem. Since this is their only source of food, hungry dogs will often guard it and may bite bystanders.
An animal rights activist stated that the public needed to be made much more aware of this issue. Since there is no confirmation of the dog bites reported in government hospitals or by civic bodies, people frequently come across false dog bite cases being reported. A fact-finding committee is required by the Animal Birth Control Rules in order to guarantee accurate bite reports. Only Kerala, though, has developed these regulations. Regarding dog bites, authorities and the general public need to be more informed. The only ways to manage these conflicts are through feeding and birth control for animals.
According to a senior PMC official, the city’s immunization and sterilization programs are effective. Private hospitals are not required to report dog bite cases, but they must report rabies cases. For the previous three years, there have been no reported rabies-related deaths.
The survey can be read here : https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/262/AU1058.pdf?source=pqars
