Rabies

Rabies remains a deadly threat in India, with children and the poor most affected. Despite available vaccines, gaps in public health, misused laws and growing dog populations make the disease a national emergency.

Countries like Mexico and Sri Lanka curbed rabies with mass vaccination, regulation and public discipline. India, despite official programmes, still struggles due to legal hurdles, weak enforcement and lack of political will to act decisively.

Fatal attacks, rabies deaths, and broken healthcare systems paint a grim picture of India's stray dog crisis. Beyond bites, the problem stems from failed sterilisation efforts, misplaced activism, and administrative inaction.

Dog bite cases are soaring, rabies deaths are increasing, and sterilisation programmes are failing. Yet authorities remain paralysed, allowing millions of strays to endanger everyday life in India’s streets, colonies and even gated communities.

Bhiwandi East MLA Rais Shaikh has demanded an FIR be filed for negligence in the case. "In the past two or three months, nearly 800 children have been attacked by dogs in Bhiwandi. Another girl, Nayeeb, who a dog bit on July 8, passed away today. She was in a lot of pain and it is a sad incident," Shaikh said.

several people had gathered for a temple festival in V Mamandur near Chinna Salem. A dog suddenly started attacking and biting people. Over 15 devotees were bitten. The dog then went to another village and bit 12 people.

The X handle Chief Herbalist posted that drinking garlic juice can prevent rabies and people can 'treat themselves' after they are bitten by a dog.

Imtiazuddin and his son Azim were bitten by their ailing cat, following which they too contracted rabies and died within a week.

Doses of anti-rabies vaccines have been administered to the injured victims in Chennai.

Dushyant (11), son of Dhannu, was bitten by a dog in the colony during Rakshabandhan. As per reports, the child was given only Tetanus shots and no anti-rabies doses were given.