UP’s Sambhal battles surge in dog and monkey bite cases as mercury rises

SAMBHAL: A sharp rise in dog and monkey bite cases has been reported in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district amid soaring temperatures and worsening heatwave conditions, with officials linking the increase to aggressive behaviour among stray animals. According to District Combined Hospital Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Rajendra Singh, a significant number of bite victims sought treatment during the first 20 days of May. "From May 1 to May 20, 165 patients, including monkeys and dogs, have been treated, with 305 doses administered, including 20 doses of antiserum. The extreme heat is causing increased agitation and aggressive behaviour in animals, leading to a rise in street dog incidents. Preventive measures include avoiding animals and walking with a stick for protection. We have written to the Municipal Corporation to catch the dogs spotted in the hospital," he told ANI. Officials said nearly 15 to 25 patients are arriving daily at the District Combined Hospital for anti-rabies vaccination and treatment following animal bite incidents. Residents have also expressed concern over the growing presence of stray dogs and monkeys in public spaces, including hospital premises, despite ongoing action by civic authorities. Sambhal Municipal Council Executive Officer Mani Bhushan Tiwari said the administration has intensified sterilisation drives, feeding zone initiatives and dog-catching operations to tackle the issue. "Look, regarding the street dogs--specifically all the dogs within our city limits--we are continuously taking action. You may have noticed that we have established feeding zones at various locations across the city; we have also initiated operations to catch these dogs. Furthermore, we have carried out sterilisation procedures. These operations were conducted in coordination with the Animal Husbandry Department. Although there is currently no provision for an ABC (Animal Birth Control) centre, we are in the process of establishing one; once operational, we will be able to take more systematic and comprehensive action through the ABC centre," he said. "Wherever complaints are received from within the municipal area, a designated committee is dispatched. We have formed a team of 10 personnel for this purpose; the team visits the specific locations and carries out operations to catch the dogs," Tiwari added. District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal said the administration is acting in line with Supreme Court directives and may initiate strict measures against dangerous animals if required. "We have received very clear directives from the Supreme Court. We have now been authorised to take action--including culling, if necessary--against aggressive dogs and those suffering from incurable conditions. The first step will be to gather comprehensive information regarding these animals," he said. He added that authorities will first conduct a detailed survey of aggressive and dangerous animals in urban as well as rural areas. "We will conduct an assessment to determine the number of individuals--both within our city and in the surrounding rural areas--who are of a dangerous or aggressive disposition, and whose presence poses a significant threat to the local community. Based on the findings of this assessment and subsequent investigations, we will proceed with the necessary measures. Furthermore, we will focus our efforts on establishing shelter homes of limited capacity in every corner of the city, thereby ensuring that this system continues to operate smoothly and efficiently," Khandelwal added. The developments come days after the Supreme Court declined to modify its November 2025 order directing the removal of stray dogs from public institutions such as hospitals, schools, colleges, bus stands and railway stations, stressing citizens’ right to live without fear of dog attacks. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria observed that the right to life with dignity includes protection from such threats and remarked that the state "cannot remain a passive spectator." The court noted that children, elderly people and travellers have increasingly become victims of dog attacks. Reiterating its earlier directions, the apex court instructed all states to strengthen implementation of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules and ensure at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in every district, with expansion based on population density. The court also directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address the issue of stray cattle on highways and establish a monitoring mechanism, while asking states to comply with ABC and stray animal management measures. Chief Secretaries of all states and the Union government have been asked to file compliance reports before August 7 before the High Courts, which will subsequently submit a consolidated report to the Supreme Court by November 17.