NEW DELHI: Odisha has seen a dramatic increase in the Dog biting case with a staggering 5.20 lakh cases reported since the beginning of 2023. According to Gokulananda Mallick, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister, the State has been reporting an average of 23,647 dog bite incidents per month which is marking a significant public health challenge.
In a written reply tabled in the State Assembly on Wednesday, Minister Mallick revealed that in 2023 alone 2,59,107 dog bite cases were registered while an additional 2,43,565 cases were reported up to November this year. The majority of these incidents involved stray dogs. The highest number of cases were reported in December 2023, January, and February of this year with January 2024 alone recording 33,547 incidents and February following closely with 32,561 cases.
ALSO READ: New study reveals airborne transmission risk of H5N1 Bird Flu strain
In response to this surge, local urban bodies have been implementing the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These efforts are carried out in collaboration with organizations holding project recognition certificates from the Animal Welfare Board of India which aim to sterilize stray dogs. Minister Mallick noted that during the 2022-23 period, 4,605 dogs were sterilized across eight towns in Odisha.
The 20th animal census conducted in 2019 indicated that Odisha had a population of 17.34 lakh stray dogs. This substantial stray dog population has contributed to the high number of dog bite cases. The Orissa High Court has taken strong measures in response to the rising dog attacks. Last year the court responded to 15 dog attacks on a National Law University student with cerebral palsy, ordering the relocation of all stray dogs from the university campus within 24 hours. In another case from 2023, the court directed the Puri Municipality to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation to the parents of a child who died following an attack by a pack of dogs in 2016.
The situation in Odisha highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage the stray dog population and ensure public safety. Effective implementation of sterilization programs and active community involvement are crucial in addressing this growing concern.