A stray dog attack that seriously injured a four-year-old girl in Sahakaranagar has once again brought Bengaluru’s growing dog bite problem into focus, with official data showing a sharp increase in incidents across the city.

The child, identified as Sangeetha, daughter of migrant construction workers from Yadgir, was attacked by a pack of six stray dogs in CQAL Layout on June 14. She sustained injuries to her hands and legs and required medical attention.

Dog bite cases rise sharply

Government figures reveal that Bengaluru recorded 18,140 dog bite cases during the first five months of 2026 under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), compared to 11,647 cases during the corresponding period last year — a rise of nearly 55 per cent.

Of the total incidents reported this year, 10,563 involved stray dogs, while 7,577 were linked to pet dogs. April alone accounted for 4,195 cases, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing civic authorities.

Officials attribute the increase partly to improved public awareness and greater reporting following easier access to free anti-rabies vaccination services.

Children and elderly among the most affected

Medical experts, however, believe the rise is not solely due to better reporting. Doctors say they are witnessing a genuine increase in dog bite injuries, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

According to infectious disease specialists, children and elderly citizens remain among the most vulnerable groups, with some cases involving severe injuries requiring urgent treatment.

Earlier this year, the State government launched the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE), which aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 through vaccination, awareness and treatment initiatives.

Authorities step up measures

Civic authorities said several measures are underway, including the establishment of a dog shelter at Medi Agrahara under the Bengaluru North City Corporation and the creation of designated feeding zones.

Officials also assured that primary health centres and government hospitals have adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines to meet demand.

The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger stray dog management, public awareness and preventive measures to improve safety in residential neighbourhoods across Bengaluru