How Kerala Is Grappling With Stray Dog Menace As Govt Under Attack Over Rising Deaths Due To Rabies

Kerala is facing an increasingly dire situation with its stray dog population, marked by a disturbing surge in dog bites and rabies fatalities. The alarming statistics have prompted the Kerala High Court to question whether the issue should be declared a state disaster, reflecting the growing public concern and the perceived inadequacy of current control measures.

The Dog Bites Statistics

Recent data paints a grim picture: between January and April 2025 alone, a staggering 1.31 lakh people were bitten by dogs, South First reported, citing the State Health Directorate to the Child Rights Commission statistics. This follows a high of 3.16 lakh dog bite treatments sought in government hospitals last year. The human toll is equally concerning, with 25 rabies-related deaths recorded so far this year, approaching last year's total of 26. Between 2021 and 2024, the state witnessed 89 rabies deaths, with 18 of those victims having reportedly received vaccinations.

The severity of the crisis was underscored by Adv. Kulathur Jaisingh, a High Court lawyer and public activist, whose complaint to the State Child Rights Commission was prompted by the tragic deaths of three children from dog bites in Kozhencherry, Thenjipalam, and Pathanapuram within a single month.

Rabies Deaths Among Vaccinated

A particularly alarming aspect of the current situation is the efficacy of anti-rabies vaccines. The Health Department's report indicates that among the 16 rabies deaths between January and May 2025, five had received preventive vaccinations, the report said. Similarly, nine of this year's dog bite fatalities had also been vaccinated. Authorities have suggested that the rapid spread of the virus in these cases may have rendered the vaccines ineffective. This raises critical questions about potential mutations in the rabies virus and the need for corresponding adjustments to current vaccine formulations, issues that demand urgent scientific investigation.

Critiques have also been levelled against local self-government institutions (LSGIs) for their apparent inefficiency in utilising allocated funds for stray dog management. Official data reveals that over the past two years, LSGIs spent a mere Rs 13.59 crore out of a total allocation of Rs 98.93 crore, contributing to the escalation of the problem, according to a report in The New Indian Express.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has also recently admonished the state government, demanding a comprehensive action plan for managing stray dogs.

Mobile ABC Units, Mass Vaccinations: Kerala's Strategy Against Stray Dogs

In response to mounting public pressure, the Kerala government has announced new measures. Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh confirmed the decision to carry out euthanasia "strictly in accordance" with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023. Section 8 of these rules permits humane euthanasia for animals deemed to spread disease, or those mortally or severely injured to the point of cruelty to keep them alive, News18 reported.

Additionally, the government plans to launch mobile Animal Birth Control (ABC) units to manage the stray dog population. Minister Rajesh stated that 152 portable ABC units will be deployed at the block level, with each unit estimated to cost around Rs 28 lakh and capable of performing 25 sterilization surgeries a day with five days of operative care. Animal Husbandry Minister J. Chinchurani announced a trial run of a portable ABC unit in Nedumangad municipality, with orders placed for seven more.

Mass vaccination drives are also on the horizon, with a campaign for stray dogs slated for next month and for pet dogs in September. To combat the abandonment of pet dogs, the departments are exploring the implementation of microchip implants to trace owners.

Both ministers have emphasized the critical role of ABC centers and warned of strict action, including criminal cases, against individuals disrupting their operations. The government is also seeking relaxation in ABC rules from the Centre, citing them as a hindrance to local bodies' stray dog management projects.

As Kerala continues to grapple with this escalating crisis, the effectiveness of these new measures and the willingness of all stakeholders to collaborate will be crucial in mitigating the stray dog menace and ensuring public safety.