Alarming Surge in Stray Dog Attacks: Chandigarh Witnesses a 100% Increase

Harvinder Singh, a 73-year-old resident of Sector 11, Chandigarh, found himself hospitalized after his evening stroll in a park took a harrowing turn. Pursued by a group of stray dogs, he sustained injuries, including a fractured leg, a head injury, bruises, and a dog bite, leading to over a month of bed rest. Beyond the physical pain and discomfort, the psychological trauma endured by those chased and bitten by dogs is profound, as shared by a patient.

Chandigarh, the ‘City Beautiful,’ is now grappling with a concerning surge in dog bite incidents in 2023. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, disclosed during a Rajya Sabha session, indicates a nearly 100% rise compared to the previous year, with reported cases reaching 10,621 from 5,365 in 2022.

In response to the escalating issue, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a recent verdict asserting that the state is responsible for compensating individuals involved in incidents with stray animals. The court mandated a minimum compensation of Rs 10,000 per tooth mark and Rs 20,000 per 0.2 cm of flesh pulled off the skin for dog bite cases.

While many see this judgment as a positive step, members of the Residents’ Welfare Association of Sector 10, like Manjit Kaur, emphasize the need for proactive measures by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. They urge a systematic approach to stray dog sterilization rather than mere assurances.

Dr. Chetan Goel from Ivy Hospital, Mohali, highlights the potential severity of dog bites, even seemingly innocuous ones, emphasizing the risk of infections and rabies, which can be fatal, mainly when the dog is unfamiliar. Dr. Suman Singh, Director of Health Services in Chandigarh, reveals that approximately 130 people report dog bite cases daily to the health department, with some seeking immediate treatment and rabies vaccines in private hospitals.

In response to the challenge, a group of volunteers in DLF Hyde Park, New Chandigarh, is working with the community to raise awareness about existing laws about stray animals. Unable to legally remove or relocate the strays, the group advocates for a strategy involving sterilization, vaccination, and designated feeding and treatment spots to build trust and familiarity.

Sakshi Issar, leading the initiative, notes a positive shift from resentment to understanding in the community. Ritika Dewan believes this model is replicable, suggesting that other societies and residential areas could benefit by establishing dog feeding points and implementing sterilization and vaccination plans.