Hans News Service Bengaluru

Dogbite cases continue to rise at an alarming rate in Bengaluru, with the latest figures released by the Health Department raising serious concerns over public safety. In the last five months alone, the city has recorded 9,763 dog bite cases, while 13,220 cases were reported across Karnataka in just one week.

The growing menace of stray dog attacks has also led to fatalities. According to official data, two people lost their lives due to dog attacks in the state last week. From January till date, Karnataka has reported a staggering 2,66,367 dog bite cases, resulting in 30 deaths.

Among Bengaluru’s health zones, the South Zone has recorded the highest number of dog bite incidents with 3,303 cases reported in the last five months. The East Zone follows with 2,909 cases, while the North Zone has reported 2,569 cases. Anekal has recorded 982 dog bite incidents during the same period.

The sharp rise in cases has put additional pressure on government hospitals. Hospitals, including KC General Hospital, are witnessing an increased demand for anti-rabies vaccines, with nearly 60 to 70 dog bite victims visiting hospitals every day for treatment and vaccination.

To tackle the growing demand, government hospitals have started stocking larger quantities of anti-rabies vaccines to ensure uninterrupted availability.

Medical experts have urged the public not to ignore dog bites under any circumstances and to seek immediate medical attention, as timely vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent rabies.

The increasing number of dog attacks has once again brought the issue of stray animal management to the forefront. Residents and public health experts have called for stronger measures, including intensified sterilisation drives, vaccination of stray dogs and greater public awareness, to curb the menace and ensure the safety of citizens across Bengaluru and the state.