Jaws of fear grip Panchkula as dog bite cases cross 3,000 mark

Every month, around 300 to 400 residents are falling prey to stray dog attacks, as more than 3,000 bite cases have been reported this year, according to the Municipal Corporation data.

In multiple sectors and neighbourhoods, locals say they are living in fear, with children and elderly persons becoming victims to aggressive strays.

In a complaint shared by a group of residents, they detailed how a single aggressive dog in their lane has been attacking two-three children every morning, particularly targeting school-going kids aged between 5 and 12. “The dog doesn’t spare anyone — be it passersby, beggars, vegetable vendors or milk delivery men. Even adults are being bitten regularly,” a resident said.

Despite previous complaints to the authorities, the residents said no action has been taken so far, forcing many victims to seek anti-rabies treatment at their own expense.

“We’re mulling submitting a signed petition to the authorities and are looking for the right department to approach. At the very least, the aggressive dogs must be captured and vaccinated. If sterilisation isn’t possible right away, vaccination is critical to prevent rabies,” the residents said.

Civic body efforts under the lens

Contributing to the worsening situation is the Municipal Corporation’s failure to streamline sterilisation efforts. The process came to a halt in February this year due to the non-renewal of the contractor’s agreement, resuming only in late July after a six-month gap.

Congress MLA Chander Mohan criticised the BJP-led Municipal Corporation for its “shocking indifference” and failure to act. “In what civilised city are over 3,000 dog bites tolerated in eight months while the administration remains silent?” he asked, slamming the six-month delay in sterilisation as clear negligence.

He termed the corporation’s promises of compensation and medical aid “hollow” and questioned why pet dog registration, leash laws and feeding rules remain unenforced.

Notably, the Mayor confirmed that the sterilisation process resumed in July, adding, “It’s been a month of continuous efforts to control rising population of dogs.”

In addition to the risk of bites, residents are also burdened with the cost and inaccessibility of proper medical care. While anti-rabies injections are available at General Hospital, Sector 6, for Rs 100, the hospital does not stock Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG), a vital injection required for deeper wounds. Victims are referred either to Sector-19 dispensary in Chandigarh, or asked to purchase the HRIG injection themselves at private hospitals, where it can cost up to Rs 15,000.

The civic body had in March proposed that doctors, vaccines and nurses would be made available at five community centres to give medical relief. Besides, Rs 10,000 was discussed as compensation to dog bite victims but the proposals have not been implemented yet.

“This is not just a civic issue — it’’s a public health emergency. If the administration can’t protect citizens from stray attacks, what governance are they offering?” asked Chander Mohan, demanding accountability and a special House session to discuss the issue.

Associations blame civic body for crisis

Civic activists and citizen groups, including the Federation of Residents Associations (FORA), have also condemned the Municipal Corporation’s handling of the crisis. FORA president RP Malhotra and general secretary Bharat Hiteshi blamed the spike in stray dog attacks on the sterilisation gap and lack of regulation around feeding of stray animals.

Hiteshi also criticised the MC for failing to enforce previously passed resolutions regarding mandatory registration of pet dogs, controlling open defecation by pets and ensuring that pets are not left unleashed in public spaces.

In a recent House meeting chaired by the Mayor, it was resolved that pet dog registration would be enforced, with owners issued ID tokens for their animals. However, residents and FORA leaders say this remains only on paper.

Malhotra urged the Commissioner to personally intervene and prioritise sterilisation, vaccination and public safety measures.

Residents are now also calling for designated feeding areas and strict enforcement of pet ownership rules.

Stray dog population double in past decade

According to official data, only 156 dogs were sterilised in January, compared to 2,596 in 2024, 1,234d  in 2023, and 3,023 in 2022. Meanwhile, estimates suggest the stray dog population has doubled from 8,000 to nearly 16,000 in the last decade.