How different states in India have fared when it comes to attacks from stray dogs
India has the highest number of attacks by stray dogs in the world. India also has the largest number of stray dogs and cats in the world, along with the highest cases of rabies deaths. Uttar Pradesh, for example, saw 164009 reported dog bite cases in 2024 and 20478 in 2025. The state also saw 6 human rabies cases deaths in 2024.
New Delhi: On Monday, the Supreme Court of India ruled that within eight weeks all stray dogs in the National Capital Region must be rounded up and detained permanently in shelters. The court order has since incited divisive views from across the country.
The ruling comes after a spate of attacks by stray dogs on children, the death of a 6-year-old girl who died of rabies in July led to the Supreme Court decision. The ruling was taken up without any formal petition. The court’s order seemed to contradict the Animal Birth Control law, which requires strays to be vaccinated, sterilized and then returned to the places where they had been picked up. The ruling though saw the strategy as not working, and saw the recommended changes come in.
Not a new problem, for every state
The problem of stray dogs attacking people in India is nothing new. The country has the highest number of attacks by stray dogs in the world. India also has the largest number of stray dogs and cats in the world, along with the highest cases of rabies deaths. Most rabies deaths are unreported.
When it comes to state-wise denominations, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra have the highest number of stray dogs. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal have the highest number of dog bites. Meanwhile in Bihar stray dog bites are the third largest cause of disease in the state.
As per Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India, the preservation, protection, and improvement of livestock, as well as the prevention of animal diseases, veterinary training, and practice, fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments. As per Articles 243(W) and 246, local bodies are mandated to control the stray dog population. Accordingly, local bodies are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme to regulate the population of stray dogs.
The problem nonetheless persists. The numbers speak for themselves. Andhra Pradesh saw 245174 dog bite cases reported in 2024 and 23180 in 2025. The state also saw 1 rabies-related death in 2024. Bihar saw 263930 dog bite cases reported in 2024 and 34442 in 2025, also 2 deaths in 2024. Delhi meanwhile saw 25210 cases in 2024 and 3196 in 2025.
Other states also have alarming numbers. Haryana saw 60417 cases of dog bites reported in 2024 and 7787 in 2025. Himachal Pradesh saw 22909 reported cases in 2024 and 2135 in 2025. Kerala with 115046 in 2024 and 11649 in 2025. In Maharashtra the numbers were significant, with 485345 reported dog bite cases in 2024 and 56538 in 2025. Worryingly the state saw 14 rabies-related deaths in 2024. In Punjab the numbers stood at 22912 reported dog bite cases in 2024 and 2164 in 2025. Rajasthan with 140543 reported cases in 2024 and 15062 in 2025.
Karnataka also had worrying statistics, 140543 reported dog bite cases in 2024 and 5 deaths in the same year. Then comes Uttar Pradesh, with 164009 reported dog bite cases in 2024 and 20478 in 2025. The state also saw 6 human rabies cases deaths in 2024. (The above data is sourced by DSP/IHIP as on 27-2-2025.)