It is encouraging that the Supreme Court, India, is seized of the problem of stray dogs. The problem is across the country. There are regular reports and CCTV recordings in the media, about stray dogs attacking children and senior citizens in the streets, in cities and small towns. Many victims die.
According to government statistics, there were 3.7 million dog bites in 2024. This amounts to 10,000 dog bites daily. It is terrifying. According to World Health Organisation’s modelling estimates, there are 19,000 to 20,000 rabies death in India annually, which is 36 percent of the global rabies fatalities.
Dog-lovers have protested that removing stray dogs to shelters, is not kind. What is the alternative? Risk the lives of children and even adults? It would be wise for local authorities to build dog shelters for strays. Children should be able to play freely and citizens should feel safe, going for an evening walk.
Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai India