Davanagere city is witnessing a troubling rise in stray dog attacks, with uncontrolled canines roaming the streets, disrupting traffic, and posing a significant threat to public safety. From January to October this year, 735 dog bite cases were reported, with October alone accounting for 166 of these incidents. This surge marks a sharp increase compared to the total 434 cases recorded in 2023, according to the records at Chigatere Davanagere District Hospital.
Currently, the city experiences an average of two dog bite incidents per day. A lack of sufficient sterilization programs has contributed to the growing stray dog population throughout the district. Despite the efforts of the Davanagere City Corporation (DCC) through its dog control program under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, which involves capturing stray dogs, sterilizing, vaccinating, marking their ears, and releasing them back, the problem persists.
A senior DCC official noted that food scarcity is making the dogs more aggressive, often leading to attacks, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. To address the issue, the DCC has encouraged citizens to create designated feeding areas for stray dogs. They are optimistic that this initiative will help reduce the number of dog bite incidents in the near future.
Residents in areas like Vinobha Nagar have voiced concerns over the dangerous presence of stray dogs, especially around two-wheeler riders. Kotresh K, a resident, shared that despite numerous complaints to the DCC, no effective action has been taken. He also mentioned a tragic incident where a child died after being bitten by a stray dog in Azad Nagar last year, though the cause of death was not officially linked to rabies.
DCC Commissioner Renuka stated that a 2016 dog census estimated the stray dog population at around 16,000. Despite performing Animal Birth Control (ABC) procedures on 7,500 dogs, the population continues to grow. She confirmed that a new ABC program is in the works, with tenders finalized and work orders pending. The DCC is determined to take further actions to address the growing dog menace in the city
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