In the southern Indian state of Kerala, concerns over the rising number of dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths have been mounting. According to data filed by the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA), a staggering 3,00,850 dog bite cases were reported between August 2024 and July 2025, with over 23 fatalities due to rabies in the same period.
The increase in these incidents has been a subject of concern for the Kerala High Court, which is currently hearing a batch of petitions addressing the “serious issue of recurring and alarming increase” of stray dogs in the state. The court has been seeking solutions to mitigate this growing problem.
The IVA data, provided in response to these petitions, showed that the number of dog bite cases recorded in March 2025 was a significant 35,085, much higher than other months. This worrying trend has led to calls for immediate action from various quarters.
The Kerala government and local authorities are under pressure to take concrete steps to control the stray dog population and prevent further spread of rabies. As the situation stands, the state is grappling with one of its highest recorded numbers of rabies cases and fatalities in recent years.
With the monsoon season approaching and people spending more time outdoors, health officials have urged caution, especially among children and elderly populations who are at a higher risk of contracting rabies. They have also advised pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has directed the state government to submit a comprehensive report on its action plan to address the stray dog issue by September 15th, 2025. The court will then review the plan and decide on further steps.
