Ahmedabad: Citizens are grappling with a rising menace of animal bites, as case numbers have surged significantly compared to the previous year. According to data from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), a comparison between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026 reveals a 20.8% increase in dog bites, an alarming 44.7% rise in monkey bites, and a massive 155.7% spike in cat bites.
Detailed Statistics on Dog Bites
Dog bite cases rose from 7,453 in January 2025 to 8,354 in January 2026. February saw an increase from 6,278 cases in 2025 to 7,753 in 2026. March numbers climbed from 6,384 in 2025 to 8,186 in 2026. Overall, dog bite cases totaled 20,115 from January to March 2025, compared to 24,293 during the same period in 2026.
Monkey and Cat Bite Trends
Monkey bite cases increased from 159 to 230, while cat bites jumped from 655 to 1,675 in the comparison period. Sources within the civic body noted that dog bite cases have been rising since 2020, coinciding with the addition of new areas to the city limits, such as Bopal, Ghuma, Kathwada, and Nana Chiloda. Annual dog bite cases rose from approximately 50,000 in 2020 to over 77,000 in 2025. Cat bites surged from 663 in 2020 to 4,770 in 2025, and monkey bites increased from 229 in 2020 to 673 in 2025.
Expert Insights on Animal Behavior
Naturalist Haseeb Shaikh explained that cat behavior is often misinterpreted. "Unlike a dog, a cat rubbing itself against a person is to transfer its fur rather than a sign of affection," he said. Attempting to pet a cat in such a situation often results in a hiss, scratch, or bite. Shaikh also noted that monkeys can be easily triggered, and bites occur when a person misjudges the animal by pestering it or dangling food, which "raises its temper."
Past Incidents and Awareness Drives
In July 2024, monkey bite incidents occurred in five societies in the Vastral area, with attacks on children and women captured on CCTV and circulated on social media. Similar cases were reported in the Paldi area in 2025 and in Naranpura in 2026. AMC officials stated that awareness drives are being conducted to discourage people from feeding monkeys, as this attracts them closer to human habitats. An official added that aggressive monkeys may attack if not fed.
Mahesh Patel, founder of Rescue Foundation Gujarat, an NGO in the city, noted that cat bites have increased because cats can enter action mode "in milli-seconds." Regarding monkeys, he said primates also attack during their mating period or territorial fights. "Conflict is often triggered by feeding. If a monkey habituated to receiving biscuits or potatoes is denied food, it enters aggression mode," he explained.
Conclusion
The data underscores a growing public health concern in Ahmedabad. With urban expansion bringing humans into closer contact with wildlife, experts emphasize the need for better awareness and preventive measures. The AMC continues to monitor the situation and implement strategies to mitigate animal bite incidents.
