Ludhiana has witnessed a alarming surge in incidents of stray dog attacks, with the number of bite cases climbing to a six-year peak in 2025. The crisis is not confined to the city alone, as neighbouring Khanna district also reeled under a sharp spike, highlighting a growing public health and safety challenge across the region.
Record Numbers and a Disturbing Trend
Official data from Ludhiana's civil hospital paints a grim picture. A total of 13,728 patients sought treatment for dog bites between January and December 2025. This figure surpasses the previous record of 13,488 set in 2024 and marks a steady, worrying upward trajectory. The increase is stark when viewed over a longer period: since 2021, when cases hit a five-year low of 6,115, the annual count has more than doubled.
The situation in the nearby Khanna district was even more severe. The local government hospital recorded 4,061 cases by December 26, 2025, representing a jump of more than 29% from the 3,143 cases reported in 2024.
Medical Preparedness and Ground Realities
Despite the overwhelming influx of victims, medical authorities assert they are equipped to handle the crisis. Dr. Akhil Sareen, the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Ludhiana's civil hospital, confirmed that the facility maintains a robust stock of the crucial anti-rabies vaccine (ARV).
"We have adequate stock, with 330 vials in storage and an additional 100 vials currently available in the ARV section," Dr. Sareen stated. Healthcare workers reported that the hospital treats an average of 40 to 50 dog bite patients every day. While most victims are from Ludhiana itself, a significant number travel from surrounding rural areas to access treatment.
Public Anger and Infrastructure Gaps
The soaring data reflects a deep-seated unease among residents, who accuse municipal bodies of failing to control the burgeoning stray dog population. The problem manifests in terrifying ways on the ground. In one shocking incident in mid-December, a single aggressive dog injured up to 30 people, including children, in the New Model Town and Gandhi Colony areas.
Arvind Sharma, a local RTI activist and himself a survivor of a stray dog attack, highlighted critical gaps in civic response. "In the E Block of SBS Nagar alone, a pack of 33 stray dogs targets outsiders regularly," Sharma revealed. He pointed to a severe lack of infrastructure and manpower with the concerned authorities.
"We need animal birth control (ABC) programmes to be expedited and proper shelters established," Sharma emphasized, voicing the common demand for a sustainable, humane solution. Residents across Ludhiana and Khanna are increasingly vocal, calling for immediate and effective municipal intervention to tame the stray menace that threatens daily safety.
