Ludhiana, July 28: With 7,067 dog bite cases already reported in the first six months of 2025, Ludhiana is witnessing a surge in canine attacks, raising alarm among residents and health authorities. The city has recorded five child deaths and two calf fatalities from rabies this year, painting a grim picture of the stray dog crisis.
According to data from the Civil Hospital’s anti-rabies clinic, 40–50 dog bite cases are reported every day, and officials say the true figures may be higher as many cases go unreported at private clinics.
In one of the most chilling incidents this year, six-year-old Aditya was mauled to death by a pack of dogs on April 1 on Tajpur Road. Earlier, in January, two children — 10-year-old Arjun Ram and 13-year-old Harsukhpreet Singh — were bitten by dogs in Hasanapur village. Two calves also succumbed to similar attacks in the same area.
March saw another fatality when 10-year-old Sanjeev Kumar was attacked by a stray in Mohi village. In total, Ludhiana registered 13,488 dog bite cases in 2024 — the highest in five years — and this year’s numbers are on track to surpass that.
“We’re tired of living in fear. Stray dogs are everywhere, and every walk outside feels like a risk,” said Gopal, a recent bite victim.
Despite public outrage, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation insists it has been actively sterilising stray dogs. “We began sterilisation in 2015 and resumed aggressively in 2021. Around 1.5 lakh dogs have been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies,” said Dr Vipul Malhotra from the corporation’s veterinary wing.
However, citizens argue the effort hasn’t been enough. “Sterilisation alone won’t help. Strays also need shelter and food, or they will keep attacking out of hunger and fear,” said Harish Kumar, a local resident. Another resident, Karan Rai, added, “It’s not just kids — two-wheeler riders and pedestrians are constantly targeted. People hesitate to even leave home.”
Adding to the growing frustration is the delay in a much-publicised dog shelter project. Inaugurated on May 21 ahead of the Ludhiana (West) bypoll, the proposed sanctuary was meant to house up to 2,500 strays and provide medical care, food, and rehabilitation services. But construction has not yet begun, with objections from dairy farmers and procedural delays stalling progress.
“The project is at the tendering stage. We hope to start construction soon,” said Mayor Inderjit Kaur.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has expanded its reach by offering free anti-rabies vaccinations at all 94 Aam Aadmi Clinics in Ludhiana district. Officials hope the move will improve accessibility to treatment for bite victims and reduce fatalities.
In Amritsar, too, the numbers are worrying. Around 20 dog bite cases are being reported daily at the anti-rabies clinic at Government Medical College. Despite sterilising 27,000 stray dogs since 2022, newborn strays continue to be seen across the city.
“Rabies is 100 per cent lethal. Anyone bitten must seek immediate medical care — there’s no second chance,” said Dr Sandeep, in-charge of the Amritsar anti-rabies clinic.
Experts and residents agree: without urgent reforms, enforcement, and infrastructure support, the stray dog crisis will continue to put both human and animal lives at risk.
