Rising population of stray dogs a biting public health concern

The city is witnessing an alarming rise in incidents of dog bite, turning the growing population of stray dogs into a serious public health concern. According to hospital data figures, nearly 50 dog bite cases are being reported daily across private and government healthcare facilities.

This translates into around 1,500 cases every month. Official records further reveal that in 2023 alone, about 18,000 people in the city were bitten by dogs, underlining the scale of the problem.

Doctors say dog bites are not just a matter of physical injury but also pose the risk of deadly infections such as rabies, tetanus and other bacterial complications. Anti-rabies clinics in government and private sector report a steady influx of victims, including children, elderly persons and morning walkers. Health experts warn that delayed treatment or failure to complete anti-rabies vaccination can prove fatal.

The Amritsar Municipal Corporation (AMC) claims it is addressing the issue through Animal Birth Control (ABC) and sterilisation drives. At present, sterilisation is being carried out at two ABC centres located at Fatehgarh Shukarchak and Naraingarh. Officials said that over the past two years, approximately 20,000 dogs have been sterilised as part of the population control programme.

However, the pace of sterilisation has drawn criticism from public health activists and residents, who argue that the effort is insufficient given the rapidly increasing dog population. With hundreds of stray dogs roaming residential colonies, markets, garbage dumping sites and busy roads, residents complain of frequent attacks, barking at night, traffic accidents caused by dogs chasing vehicles and unhygienic conditions.

Apart from dog bites, the unchecked population has led to other civic problems. Packs of stray dogs are often seen near garbage heaps, spreading waste and increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Road accidents involving dogs are also on the rise, endangering both animals and commuters. Parents have expressed concern over the safety of school-going children, particularly in morning and evening hours. Health experts stress that dog population management must go hand in hand with public awareness, proper waste management and faster sterilisation. They also call for regular vaccination of stray dogs against rabies to break the chain of transmission.

Municipal officials maintain that additional measures are being planned, including strengthening ABC infrastructure and awareness campaigns. However, residents believe that unless the issue is addressed on a war footing, the rising dog population will continue to pose a serious threat to public health and safety in the city.