New Delhi: Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday raised alarm over the surge in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths in Tamil Nadu, citing data that shows the state has reported around 5.25 lakh dog bite cases and 28 rabies deaths so far this year.
Sharing his concerns on X, Chidambaram wrote: “According to a newspaper report, Tamil Nadu recorded 5,25,000 cases of dog bites this year (so far) and 28 deaths due to rabies.” He stressed that while the sentiments of dog lovers are understandable, they must also recognise the seriousness of the situation.
Chidambaram said supporting measures such as sequestering, sterilising, and vaccinating stray dogs does not conflict with being a dog lover. He reminded that the Supreme Court has ordered the release of vaccinated stray dogs back into their original habitats, except in certain public places. He urged dog lovers to help implement these directives, emphasising that such steps protect children, women, and senior citizens who use public spaces.
His comments came after the Supreme Court, noting an “alarming rise of dog bite incidents,” directed all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places. The Court made it clear that these dogs must not be released back to the same spots after sterilisation, as doing so would undermine public safety.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria further instructed that these premises must be fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs. Local government bodies have been tasked with collecting stray dogs, vaccinating and sterilising them in line with Animal Birth Control Rules, and transferring them to designated shelters. Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs must ensure strict compliance, with officers held personally liable for violations.
The Court also mandated appointment of nodal officers for each premises and required municipal authorities and panchayats to conduct periodic inspections for at least three months and submit status reports within eight weeks.
Additionally, the Supreme Court directed states, UTs, and agencies such as the NHAI to remove stray cattle from highways and relocate them to proper shelters.
The issue came under scrutiny after a previous two-judge bench’s August 11 directive called for rounding up all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and banning their release. A three-judge bench later modified the order on August 22, allowing the release of sterilised and immunised dogs back to their localities—except those infected with rabies or displaying aggressive behaviour—while restricting public feeding and mandating dedicated feeding zones.
However, the Court noted that persistent administrative failure over two decades has forced it to intervene firmly, stressing that its directives are aimed at safeguarding both humans and animals.
