After 28k dog bite cases in 2025, Hassan launches safety measures

Hassan: To curb the rising number of dog bite cases in the district, the Hassan district administration has launched a series of initiatives to enhance public safety.The district recorded 28,672 dog bite cases in 2025, and 2,500 cases were reported last month alone, prompting authorities to step up interventions. Acting on Supreme Court directions, the administration has planned multiple measures, including an awareness drive on rabies vaccination. Deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari has instructed officials to take stringent steps to prevent further incidents.Two people died from dog bites last year, and the DC urged officials to exercise extreme caution. She emphasised the importance of seeking immediate hospital care after a dog bite and directed the animal husbandry department to ensure prompt dissemination of information.Once the animal husbandry department is alerted, vaccinations must be administered without delay, and swift action must be taken in cases where rabies is detected.Local bodies have been instructed to comply with the Supreme Court's orders and the directions of the govt secretary. The chief secretary has also ordered the identification of all govt and private educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations to check street dog presence. Institutions have been advised to install fencing or compound walls to prevent dogs from entering their premises. The state govt has further directed the appointment of nodal officers and the maintenance of adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin.The DC has assured that all possible measures will be taken to ensure no life is lost to dog bites. "We aim to prevent dog bite incidents across the district to safeguard the public," she said.An officer added that areas where the menace is rampant will be identified, and appropriate action will be taken.However, an officer said localities where the menace is rampant will be identified, and suitable measures will be taken.