Around 3,000 dog bites in 16 months: Shimla’s streets turn dangerous
Shimla, May 3,
In the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Capital Shimla’s growing stray dog population has become a pressing public concern, with over six reported dog bite incidents occurring daily. A recent academic study by researchers at Himachal Pradesh University has brought troubling figures to light, pointing to an increasingly aggressive pattern in canine attacks across the city.
Though data is not for current period but between January 2021 and April 2022, nearly 3000 (2951) cases of dog bites were recorded in and around Shimla, averaging out to more than 180 incidents each month. The data includes not just city residents but also individuals from nearby areas who sought medical attention in Shimla after being bitten.
What’s particularly disturbing is the severity of these attacks. Of the 1,870 reported cases in 2021 alone, a significant majority involved serious injuries, with nearly 1,000 victims sustaining deep wounds. Minor scratches were noted in just around 200 cases, indicating a shift in the behaviour of stray dogs from defensive to more hostile.
Even in April this year, as per MC Shimla records around 17 dog bites were reported.
The findings suggest that a mix of failed policies and lack of infrastructure maybe contributing to the crisis. A sterilization drive launched in 2006 to control the stray dog population was discontinued around 2011 and has seen inconsistent efforts since. Meanwhile, the municipal corporation still has no official data on the number of stray dogs in the city.
Efforts to manage the problem are further hampered by staffing shortages. As of now, the city lacks veterinary doctors to carry out sterilizations. Appeals made by the municipal corporation for medical staff have gone unanswered, and instead, existing veterinarians have been transferred out, bringing essential animal birth control operations to a virtual halt.
Compounding the problem is the absence of a helpline for dog bite cases. Citizens are left to navigate the aftermath of attacks on their own, with little institutional support beyond a basic vaccination protocol. Unlike earlier years, victims of monkey or dog bites no longer receive compensation. If a particular animal is reported for repeated aggression, it may be held for observation temporarily, only to be released again in the same area.
Recently the issue also flared up during a meeting of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, where councilors from both the BJP and Congress accused the civic body of gross inaction.
Moreover, the seriousness of the situation can be gauged as recently a young man near Shimla’s central CTO Chowk was bitten by a group of stray dogs after attempting to flee from a monkey. He sustained leg injuries and was taken to hospital by friends. On Tuesday, three children were reportedly attacked by stray dogs near the Dhalli tunnel at different times of the day, leaving one child seriously injured and admitted to IGMC. Such incidents have become increasingly common in public spaces like Mall Road, Naaz Chowk, and near the sports complex.
With residents growing fearful and frustrated, the city’s authorities face mounting pressure to restore public safety and introduce effective animal control measures.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
