Shelters for dogs are being established in every taluk: DC

Mangaluru: Deputy commissioner Darshan HV said shelters for stray dogs are being established in all taluks of Dakshina Kannada district in the wake of complaints on disturbances caused by stray dogs.He spoke while presiding over the district surveillance committee meeting of the health department at the deputy commissioner's office on Friday. Measures have already been taken to construct such a shelter in Mangaluru taluk. He emphasised that urban local bodies and gram panchayats should implement appropriate measures, including birth control, to manage stray dogs. Vaccines and other necessary medicines for victims of dog bites, snakebites, and other incidents should be adequately stocked in health centres, he said and advised that the public should seek treatment as soon as possible in such cases to avoid danger.District surveillance officer Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal said that in 2023, 20,487 dog bite cases were reported, 20,071 in 2024, and 27,481 in 2025. These cases involved both stray and pet dogs. In 2025, out of the reported cases, 21,673 were from pet dogs and 5,808 from stray dogs. He informed the meeting that two people died from dog bites in the past three years. Leptospirosis cases have also been reported in the district, with 203 cases in 2023, 283 in 2024, and 265 in 2025. Three deaths occurred in 2023 and 2024 due to this disease. Snakebite cases reported were 365 in 2023, 627 in 2024, and 752 in 2025. Dr Kulal explained that 10 people died from snakebites in the district over the past three years.DHO Dr Thimmaiah HR said that delays in seeking treatment for victims of dog and snakebites are causing serious health issues.Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of animal husbandry and veterinary services department, joint director of agriculture department Honnappa Gowda, and others were present.