Alarming surge in stray dog attacks in Karnataka; 2023 records a drastic rise

Team Udayavani, Dec 18, 2023, 9:46 AM IST

Representative image (Source: Pinterest)

In a concerning trend, the incidence of stray dog attacks across Karnataka has risen significantly compared to previous years, as per data from the State Health Department.

Key Statistics:

• 2023 Cases: From January 1 to November 27 this year, the State Health Department recorded a staggering 2.15 lakh dog bite cases. This figure marks a sharp increase from the 2021 and 2022 records, which stood at 1.59 lakh and 1.62 lakh, respectively.
• Nature of Incidents: Approximately 90% of reported cases in 2023 involved bites from stray dogs.
• Weekly and Daily Averages: Over the past month, an average of 5,000 cases per week and 700 cases per day have been reported across the state, underscoring the frequency and urgency of the situation.

Regional analysis:

The gravity of the situation is evident in regional statistics, with 11,500 cases reported in Dakshina Kannada, 11,000 in Udupi, 10,000 in Chitradurga, and 6,000 in Dharwad.

Several other districts have also witnessed significant numbers, ranging from 500 to 5,000 reported cases.

Possible causes:

According to some experts, a shift in waste disposal methods, from indiscriminate street dumping to systematic door-to-door garbage collection, has impacted the availability of food for stray dogs. This change has led to a scarcity of food resources for these animals, potentially driving them to seek food by attacking humans.

Not all stray dogs receive sustenance from individuals passionate about animal welfare, contributing to their aggression and pursuit of alternative food sources, they opine.

Tragic Incident in Chitradurga:

In a devastating event, a 10-year-old boy, Tarun, succumbed to injuries sustained from a stray dog attack in Medehalli village, Chitradurga taluk.

The boy was attacked by strays while he was en route to school, resulting in severe injuries. Despite immediate treatment at Chitradurga District Hospital and subsequent care at Manipal Hospital, Tarun passed away without responding to treatment.

The concerning escalation of stray dog attacks in Karnataka has prompted calls for immediate interventions to address the underlying causes and ensure public safety.