At least 40 people were bitten by stray dogs over the past two days in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, officials said on Saturday, prompting authorities to intensify measures to capture the animals. Of these attacks, 35 were reportedly carried out by just two dogs.
The Patera primary health centre recorded 25 dog bite cases on Friday and Saturday, said Block Medical Officer Dr Ashok Badoniya, adding that most patients appeared to have been bitten by a single dog. In Batiyagarh block, another dog reportedly attacked 10 individuals, according to Block Medical Officer Dr BM Pant. Five more victims were treated at the district hospital in Damoh city.
Collector Sudhir Kumar Kochar said authorities had been instructed to “take immediate steps to catch stray dogs” and prevent further incidents.
Also read: Remove stray dogs from schools, hospitals; move to shelters: SC
The surge in attacks comes in the wake of rising concerns over stray dog bites in public spaces nationwide. On Friday, the Supreme Court expressed alarm over increasing dog bite incidents, particularly in areas frequented by the public, including schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations. The Court directed authorities across India to relocate aggressive and stray dogs to designated shelters, highlighting the need for systematic management of stray canine populations to protect public health.
Dog bites, especially from unvaccinated strays, carry the risk of rabies, a fatal disease if untreated. Experts say urbanisation, improper waste disposal, and absence of coordinated dog control measures contribute to a rise in such incidents, particularly in smaller towns.
Authorities in Damoh have urged residents to remain cautious, seek prompt medical attention after any dog bite, and cooperate with officials in the capture and relocation drives.
Follow us
