Ahmedabad records 211 reported dog-bite cases daily despite crores spent on sterilisation

Ahmedabad continues to report a high number of dog-bite incidents despite substantial spending on stray dog sterilisation programmes, with civic data showing more than 77,000 reported dog-bite cases in 2025—an average of 211 cases a day. 

The issue has again come into focus after the Supreme Court declined to modify its November 2025 order concerning dog-bite incidents across the country.

Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) data also points to a continuing increase in bite-related cases. Comparing the first three months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, dog-bite cases rose by 20.8%. During the same period, monkey-bite cases increased by 44.7%, while cat-bite cases surged by 155.7%.

Dog-bite cases continue to rise over the years

Officials say the increase has accelerated since 2020, particularly after areas including Bopal-Ghuma, Kathwada and Nana Chiloda were brought within AMC limits.

Civic records show that reported dog-bite cases in Ahmedabad have risen from around 50,000 in 2020 to more than 77,000 in 2025.

The trend appears to extend over more than a decade. AMC data shows that 33,027 dog-bite cases were recorded in 2010–11, increasing to 39,733 in 2011–12 and 41,033 in 2012–13.

Ahmedabad has recorded 3.14 lakh dog-bite cases over the past five years. 

Notably, the figures count reported bite cases but do not provide details about how each incident happened, or whether the bite was minor or severe, or if the animal involved was a stray or a pet. 

Questions persist over sterilisation spending

Despite the continuing rise in reported cases, the civic body has continued to invest heavily in stray dog sterilisation drives.

Sources claim nearly ₹1,346 crore has been spent over the past five years on sterilisation-related efforts, but the number of reported dog-bite cases has continued to rise.

Gujarat is now among the five states reporting the highest number of dog-bite cases in the country.

Rabies remains a major public health concern

Doctors warn that animal bites can carry the risk of rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system.

According to medical experts, the rabies virus can reach the brain and spinal cord within three to 12 weeks after infection, although symptoms can sometimes appear much later and, in some cases, after a year.

Once the virus reaches the brain, it can spread rapidly and may lead to paralysis, coma and death.

Doctors explain that rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted by dogs, cats, monkeys and bats. However, more than 90% of rabies cases are linked to dog bites.

What to do after an animal bite

Doctors advise washing the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes after a bite or scratch.

People are also advised to seek medical attention promptly and take anti-rabies vaccination or rabies immunoglobulin if recommended by doctors.

Symptoms of rabies

Early symptoms may include:

Fever

Headache

Fatigue

Irritation

Pain or itching around the bite area

Advanced symptoms may include:

Fear of water

Difficulty swallowing

Excessive saliva production

Irritability and restlessness

Sensitivity to light and sound

Seizures

Confusion

Unconsciousness

Paralysis

Without timely treatment, rabies can lead to coma and death.