12 lives lost in over 16,000 dog bite cases recorded in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In the wake of recent dog bite incidents, some of which have resulted in grievous deaths, the fear of rabies has escalated among Bengalureans. Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of an infected dog.

Symptoms include severe pain, fatigue, high fever, muscle stiffness and paralysis. Reports reveal that as many as 12 people have died from dog bites this year.

A total of 32 people reported died of the menace in 2022. In Bengaluru, areas like Kurabarahalli, Laggere, Rajajinagar and Basaveshwaranagar are bearing the brunt of stray dog attacks. Motorists in these areas report being frequently attacked by the dogs.

Children are also at risk, causing parents to be on high alert when allowing them outdoors. According to reports, 16,888 cases of dog attacks have been registered this year. It is also reported that 40 per cent of these attacks were caused by pet dogs.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has come under scrutiny for these incidents, raising questions about its efforts to sterilize and vaccinate dogs. Both the West (3,479 cases) and East Zones (2,107 cases) have seen the highest number of dog attacks.

Mahadevapura (1,359), Rajarajeshwari Nagar (1,328), South (1,258), Bommanahalli (782), Dasarahalli (475), and Yelahanka (660) Zones follow, totaling 11,448 reported incidents.

Among the 5,440 attacks by pet dogs, the West Zone (1,505) leads with the highest number of incidents, followed by the East Zone (9 75), Raja rajeshwa ri Nagar (778), South (489), Yelahanka (3 92), and Dasarahalli (271).