Don’t hate animals, animal lovers demand anti-rabies vaccination

BBMP needs to get its act together; apartments need a stray management policy, say activists

Two children were admitted to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) recently after developing symptoms of rabies following dog bites. Their samples were tested at the neurovirology laboratory in Nimhans, both have tested positive and are fighting for their lives even as we write this.

Rabies claimed 23 lives in Karnataka over the past seven months, according to data from the state health department. Of these, two are children aged six and three. ED (Epidemic Diseases) Hospital in Bengaluru Urban alone witnessed three rabies deaths this month.

Sadly, a lot of these deaths were preventable. The case histories of those who succumbed to rabies show that many of them were unfortunate victims of official apathy. “Though the municipal laws mandate annual rabies vaccination for dogs and puppies (above 3 months of age), it is not enforced. There is no workforce and machinery to do the job in the civic bodies,” Dr M K Sudarshan, founder president and mentor at Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI), Bengaluru, tells us. According to data, around 99% of the rabies cases in India are acquired from rabid stray – or as many call them, community – dogs.
Karnataka has reported 2.3 lakh dog bite cases in the past six months. Bengaluru alone has an estimated 2.7 lakh stray dogs.
A pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccination can save many lives. It is an effective measure of protection for individuals who work directly with animals that may carry rabies. But even in cities like Bengaluru, there is very little awareness of preventive measures. “Many parents of children who died from rabies were unaware that a pre-exposure rabies vaccine exists,” says Dr Reeta S Mani, professor and head at the department of neurovirology in Nimhans. “The vaccine is affordable. It costs Rs 300 per dose,” she says. The vaccine is not mandatory in India due to economic constraints, but it is widely available and could prevent many cases. The effect of one vaccination lasts for a year or two.

Rabies is deadly but 100% preventable. “But once symptoms appear, there is no cure. Timely vaccination can save lives,” says Dr Reeta.

Management of community dogs is increasingly being discussed in gated communities and apartments. “The BBMP, backed by AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) guidelines, mandates humane management of community dogs – vaccinate, sterilise, don’t relocate, and absolutely do no harm. But apartments seldom have a comprehensive and structured pet or stray management policy,” says Radhika Margabandhu, governing council member of Bangalore Apartments Federation. “This isn’t about dog-lovers versus dog-haters. It’s about coexisting in dense urban habitats with accountability and empathy. The onus isn’t just on feeders or RWA committees – it’s on everyone,” she says.


What authorities can do
India has launched a National Action Plan to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. According to experts, Bengaluru has a long way to go to achieve this goal. It is nearly impossible to eliminate rabies in the city by 2030, points out Dr Sudarshan. “To achieve it sooner, he suggests, it is important to strengthen the animal husbandry department of BBMP and enforce compulsory pet dog registration and annual vaccination. He adds that implementing a well-monitored mass dog vaccination campaign with an annual target is the need of the hour.

Ensuring uninterrupted supplies of rabies vaccines and equine rabies immunoglobulin in the BBMP and government hospitals in the city is also crucial to combat rabies.

VOICE BOXAround 99% of the rabies cases in India are acquired from rabid stray dogs, as per our data. Pet owners, animal lovers – especially children, and street dog feeders – should take the pre-exposure rabies vaccine to stay protected. After any animal bite or scratch, seek medical help immediately.

Rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins are free at most government hospitals. Don’t ignore cat bites or scratches. Though most cases are from stray dogs, other animals like cats can also spread rabies. Also, vaccinate your pet dogs for rabies every year. Unvaccinated pets can get infected and pass on rabies to humans.
Dr Reeta S Mani, PROFESSOR AND HEAD AT THE DEPARTMENT OF NEUROVIROLOGY IN NIMHANS

Individuals are typically bitten by dogs on their legs and hands. Children may also sustain bites to the head and face, attributed to their shorter stature. BBMP’s chicken rice plan may be implemented on a pilot basis and the benefits from it must be widely shared through the media. Community monitored implementation of ABC programme with annual targets can be a significant step in the fight against rabies. The PPP (public private partnership) model should be explored for the ABC programme.

Dogs, particularly in packs, should never be allowed to roam on the streets as they pose a threat to children, women, disabled and the elderly, who are generally poor. The rich are in cars and escape the brunt of their attacks. Certain areas like hospitals, schools and places of worship should be declared as ‘stray dog free areas’ by suitably amending the ABC rules. The BBMP could impose a separate annual cess for animal welfare and use the funds for the ABC programme.
Dr M K Sudarshan, FOUNDER PRESIDENT AND MENTOR, ASSOCIATION FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF RABIES IN INDIA (APCRI), BENGALURU

To solve the stray dog problem, civic bodies can focus on regular vaccinations, and setting up shelters. They should also spread awareness about adoption instead of buying pets.

It’s important to treat stray dogs with kindness – they’re living beings too. At the same time, letting dogs roam freely, especially in sensitive places like hospitals, may not be safe for people or the animals.
Sanjana Sairama, ENGINEER AT ION TRADING


Aggression in dogs seldom appears out of nowhere. Hunger, extreme heat, noise, or frustration often simmers beneath the surface, unseen by the casual observer.

Feeding dogs at main gates or tossing leftovers near parked cars can inadvertently draw them closer to high-traffic zones, putting everyone at risk.
Radhika Margabandhu, GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER, BAF

Our organisation has been tracking the anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) programme across Karnataka for the last one and a half years. From the RTIs, I know that many districts in Karnataka are yet to do full-fledged yearly vaccination for dogs despite the ARV programme being in place for two decades now. Bengaluru Rural itself doesn't have a mechanism in place to vaccinate dogs correctly on an yearly basis. BBMP has an elaborate ARV programme.

This year, BBMP increased the vaccination rate by drastically changing their vendor format, and that has borne results. Bengaluru Urban that governs gram panchayats, on the other hand, does not have a full-blown ARV programme. Beyond BBMP, I urge citizens to question their district administration about failure in implementing the ARV programme rather than hating animals, for they don't invite rabies. It is just one of the many diseases that occur in mammals.
Sadhana Hegde, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST & FOUNDER OF SAHAVARTHIN ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST THAT WORKS ON ANIMAL ADVOCACY AND ANIMAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION