Concern Rises Amidst Fatal Rabies Cases Linked to Dog Attacks, Courts Express Anxiety
Supreme Court of India Takes Action Against Rising Dog Bite Incidents in New Delhi
The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of the escalating dog bite incidents in New Delhi, following a media report detailing the alarming increase in cases. According to the report, approximately 2,000 dog bite cases are being reported daily in the city, with rising rabies infections.
The situation has worsened significantly, with dog bite cases surging from 6,691 in 2022 to over 91,000 by July 2025, representing a staggering increase of more than 277% in just two years. This surge has put immense pressure on hospitals and raised serious public health concerns.
Official data shows that from January to June 2024, about 35,198 animal bite incidents were recorded in Delhi, with 49 confirmed rabies cases reported up to July 2024. The Supreme Court has directed authorities to file affidavits detailing dog bite incidents, vaccination efforts, and related measures to address this crisis comprehensively.
Efforts to curb the problem include sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. Between January and June 2024, over 65,000 dogs were sterilized and vaccinated, part of an escalating campaign projected to reach almost 98,000 dogs sterilized and vaccinated between April 2024 and December 2025. However, the continued rise in cases underscores the challenges in controlling the stray dog population and preventing rabies infections.
The Supreme Court's action comes in response to a media report that highlighted the vulnerability of children and the elderly to rabies infections. Nationwide, this issue reflects in over 3.7 million dog bite cases and 54 confirmed rabies deaths in 2024.
During a hearing of a separate plea involving allegations of harassment over the feeding of community dogs in Noida, the Supreme Court made sharp observations. A two-judge bench described the report as "very disturbing and alarming." The remarks were in response to a petition challenging a March 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court.
The Supreme Court asked the petitioner's counsel in the Noida case, "Why don't you feed them in your own house?" The Court did not issue any statement about the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanding a minister's ouster over a bar controversy, as that is not related to the dog bite incident or the Noida case.
The Supreme Court did not mention any specific actions or decisions taken regarding the incident. Instead, it emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to address the crisis and protect vulnerable groups from rabies infections. The order has been placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate orders. The bench comprised Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.
This article is based on a media report and the Supreme Court's order. The Supreme Court has not issued any official statement regarding the opposition slamming a sports portfolio given to a minister caught playing rummy, as that is not related to the dog bite incident report or the Noida case.
Scientists and health officials, in light of the escalating dog bite incidents and rising rabies infections in New Delhi, should focus on developing and implementing medical solutions to combat this growing health-and-wellness concern, particularly for children and the elderly. The Supreme Court's dire warnings emphasize the urgency for science-based interventions to address this medical-conditions crisis comprehensively.
