Ranchi Dog Bites Surge: Rising Temperatures Fuel Aggression, Health Officials Urge Precautions

Ranchi: Dog bite cases are showing a noticeable rise across the city with rising temperatures, prompting health officials and animal welfare experts to urge residents to take precautions and avoid conflict with stray animals.

At Sadar hospital alone, more than 100 dog bite cases are being reported daily. Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar said the hospital is administering anti-rabies vaccines to over 250 people daily.

“In most cases, four doses of anti-rabies vaccine are given. If the bite is severe, a fifth dose is administered on the 90th day,” Kumar said.

He stressed that immediate first aid can significantly reduce infection risk. “The first thing a person should do after a dog bite is wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water. It helps clean bacteria and saliva from the skin. People should also avoid exposing open wounds. Rabies has a 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear, which is why timely treatment is critical,” he said. Rims public relations officer Shishir Kumar said they have also winessed a slight increase in dog bite cases recently. “Around 60-65 cases were reported last week, which is marginally higher than usual,” he said.

Veterinary experts said rising temperatures are making the dogs irritable. Shivanand Kanshi, a veterinarian with the animal husbandry department, said dehydration, hunger and lack of shelter often trigger aggressive behaviour among dogs.

“During summer, stray dogs face a food and water crisis. Heat stress can make them aggressive. People should avoid approaching dogs in groups and maintain distance if they appear disturbed. Providing food, water and shaded spaces can reduce aggression,” Kanshi said. To address the issue, Ranchi Municipal Corporation has identified 57 locations across the city for dog feeding stalls, with 3 operational in wards 38 and 39. Officials said the designated feeding points are aimed at reducing random feeding and helping animals access food in fixed locations.

The civic body is also preparing to roll out a dog sterilisation programme. Officials said sterilised dogs that continue to show aggressive behaviour may be shifted to shelters for monitoring and care.