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Dog bites have become a public health emergency in Telangana

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. come-a-public-health-emergency-in-telangana.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 5:16 GMT by Telangana Today
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Dog Bites Surge in Telangana, Turning Into a Public Health Crisis

The state of Telangana is grappling with a growing epidemic of dog bites, a problem that has alarmed health officials, veterinary experts, and ordinary citizens alike. A comprehensive report by Telangana Today details how the prevalence of stray dog attacks has escalated into a “public health emergency,” affecting thousands of residents and straining medical facilities across the region.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

According to data released by the Telangana Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department, the state recorded over 6,000 dog bite incidents in the last 12 months alone. The majority of these cases involve children—about 20 % of the victims are under the age of 12—making the problem especially dire for families and school communities. Tragically, the report cites 15 deaths attributed to rabies following dog bites in the past year, a figure that underscores the lethal potential of these attacks when proper post‑exposure prophylaxis is not administered in a timely manner.

The statistics also reveal that roughly one in three dog bites occur on public roads and in parks, where stray dogs roam freely without any registration or vaccination records. The lack of a centralized database for stray dogs has made it difficult for authorities to track and manage the animal population effectively.

Root Causes: Stray Dogs and Poor Vaccination Coverage

The surge in dog bite incidents is linked to a rapidly expanding stray dog population, estimated at 1.2 million across Telangana. Many of these dogs are not registered, and vaccination rates among the stray cohort are alarmingly low—only about 35 % have received the mandatory rabies shot.

A spokesperson from the Telangana Animal Welfare Board explained that the state’s dog population has grown due to both reproduction among unneutered stray dogs and illegal breeding by private owners who ignore local regulations. “Without an effective neutering program, we simply cannot control the growth of this population,” the spokesperson said. “Coupled with the lack of regular vaccination, the risk of rabies transmission skyrockets.”

Government Initiatives and Gaps

In response to the crisis, the Telangana government has pledged ₹500 crore over the next five years to implement a comprehensive dog control strategy. The plan, announced by Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao at a press conference, includes:

1. Mass vaccination campaigns aimed at reaching the remaining 65 % of stray dogs that have yet to receive the rabies vaccine.
2. Widespread neutering of stray dogs through partnerships with non‑governmental organizations such as the Telangana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPOCA).
3. Creation of designated shelters for stray dogs in high‑traffic districts like Hyderabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal.
4. Public awareness drives that educate citizens on how to avoid dog bites and what steps to take if bitten.
5. Strengthening of the Animal Welfare Act of 2017 enforcement, with stiffer penalties for owners who allow their dogs to roam without proper registration.

Despite these ambitious plans, experts warn that the government has not yet secured adequate funding for the necessary veterinary infrastructure. In rural areas, veterinary clinics are often understaffed and lack sufficient doses of rabies vaccine, leaving many bitten individuals without timely treatment. Dr. S. Shankar, Director of the Telangana Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department, stressed the importance of “a coordinated approach that brings together government bodies, local NGOs, and community volunteers.”

Community Stories and Human Impact

The article features several harrowing accounts that illustrate the human toll of the crisis. In the town of Siddipet, a six‑year‑old boy named Raghav was bitten by a stray dog while walking to school. His parents rushed him to the district hospital, but the lack of immediate rabies prophylaxis led to the eventual death of the child after a week of treatment. A nurse at the hospital, who wishes to remain anonymous, recalled: “We had to treat dozens of patients each week, but the supply of vaccine was inconsistent.”

In another incident, a mother in Hyderabad discovered a dead dog in her courtyard that had bitten her two-year-old daughter. The child survived but suffered a permanent neurological deficit due to rabies. Local residents report that stray dogs are now common in homes, sometimes entering houses through open windows, which exacerbates the risk of attacks.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Urgent Action

The Telangana Today piece concludes with a stark reminder that, unless immediate and decisive action is taken, the dog bite crisis could worsen. Public health experts warn that the situation poses a “double threat” of both physical injury and the spread of rabies, which remains a preventable but fatal disease if not treated promptly.

The government’s forthcoming policy, if implemented with full vigor, could curb the rise in stray dog populations and bring rabies vaccination rates to a safer level. However, the success of such measures will depend on sustained funding, community engagement, and strict enforcement of animal welfare laws.

For now, the residents of Telangana must remain vigilant, seek immediate medical care if bitten, and support local initiatives that aim to protect both people and animals from this growing public health menace.