Rabies Scare As Stray Dog Bites 10 Children In Karnataka’s Bagalkote

Karnataka: More than 10 people, mostly children, were hospitalised in Ilkal city of Bagalkote district in Karnataka on Monday after they were reportedly bitten by a stray dog that was suspected to be rabid. The dog attack was reported from different areas, including Gowlargudi, Junior College and Sharanabasaveshwara Temple. 

The children have suffered severe injuries to the face, lips and chin. The attack has spread panic across the local communities. The children are currently undergoing treatment. The authorities have been asked to take immediate action to manage the stray dog menace and ensure the safety of the residents of Ilkal city.

The Stray Dog Menace and Rabies Threat

A deadly but preventable viral disease makes stray dog populations in India a serious public health as well as safety concern. Since a very high number of stray dog attacks have occurred in India, street dogs must be controlled to address this problem and increase safety concerns.

The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, are the main solution for preventing rabies.  These regulations, which emphasise the Capture-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) model, require a humane approach.  In addition to setting up animal shelters and approved dog-feeding locations, local organisations are entrusted with carrying out extensive sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination programs.

Supreme Court's Intervention

The severity of the situation has been highlighted by the Supreme Court of India's suo motu cognisance of the stray dog menace. The Supreme Court has harshly criticised states and Union Territories in a number of recent hearings for not following its instructions on how to apply the ABC Rules.  The Supreme Court changed a previous order for the mass sheltering of strays in an order issued in August 2025. Unless they are rabid or exhibit aggressive behaviour, the refined ruling requires that all stray dogs be sterilised and vaccinated before being returned to the area where they were originally collected.