"Disturbing revelations": SC acknowledges escalating incidents of dog bites by stray canines
In a concerning development, India is grappling with a rising rabies crisis, with stray dog bites being a significant factor. According to official data presented in Lok Sabha in July 2025, over 37 lakh dog bite cases were reported in 2024, leading to 54 suspected human rabies deaths[1].
The Supreme Court of India has taken cognisance of a news report about this escalating issue, treating the matter as a suo motu writ petition. Justice JB Pardiwala made statements regarding the report and the court's actions, but specific details about the court's direct interventions were not found in the search results[2].
The government, however, has been actively pushing for policy reforms and advisories, with the central government notifying the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. These rules mandate sterilisation and vaccination to control stray dog populations humanely and prevent rabies outbreaks[1].
Despite these measures, municipalities face challenges in managing stray dogs, with enforcement and funding gaps remaining serious issues. This is evident in urban areas like Bengaluru, which reported over 2.3 lakh dog bites in the first half of 2025[3].
A tragic case that has drawn attention to this issue is that of a six-year-old girl named Chavi Sharma, who was attacked by a rabid stray dog on June 30. The incident occurred while she was on her way to visit her aunt. Chavi was referred to multiple hospitals and was finally admitted to a private hospital in Pitampara.
Following the attack, Chavi developed a fever and was initially dismissed as seasonal flu by doctors. She was taken to Ambedkar Hospital for treatment and received two anti-rabies injections. However, her condition worsened, and she had difficulty swallowing water. Tragically, Chavi passed away on July 25.
Chavi's elder brother, Vishal Sharma, stated that if the dog had been removed, his sister wouldn't have lost her life. The news report detailing this incident and hundreds of similar cases from cities and peripheral areas is highly disturbing and contains extremely troubling details[4].
The court has directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate directions. The incident in Delhi's Rohini area is a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective stray dog management and rabies prevention measures in India.
[1] Lok Sabha Data on Rabies Cases in India, July 2025
[2] Supreme Court of India: Recent Orders on Rabies and Dog Bites
[3] Bengaluru's Dog Bite Crisis: A Look at the Numbers
[4] Delhi Hospitals See Sharp Rise in Dog Bite Cases
- In the midst of India's escalating rabies crisis, it's crucial to address not only the physical health aspect but also the mental health of those affected, as the fear of stray dogs and the loss of loved ones can be psychologically traumatic.
- Amidst India's tilt towards progressive policies, integrating advances in science and technology to devise effective strategies for stray dog management and rabies prevention could potentially contribute to a health-and-wellness revolution in the country.
