Nagpur: Dog bite cases in Nagpur during the first four months of 2026 have surged to an unprecedented high, marking the highest number since record-keeping began in 2022. This sharp increase has intensified concerns over stray dog management, even as the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay its directions on removing stray dogs from public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and colleges.
Rising Numbers Over the Years
Data compiled for the January to April period over the past five years reveals a troubling trend. In 2026, the city recorded 4,226 dog bite cases, significantly higher than the 3,444 cases reported during the same period in 2025. This represents a sharp 22.7% increase year-on-year. The figures for previous years stood at 3,108 in 2022, 3,372 in 2023, and 3,465 in 2024. For the first time, each month in the opening four months of 2026 crossed the 1,000-case mark. January recorded 1,060 cases, February 1,041, March 1,023, and April 1,102 — the highest figures for these respective months since 2022. April 2026 also saw the highest April tally on record, surpassing the previous high of 887 cases reported in April 2022.
Supreme Court's Stance
Hearing pleas filed by animal welfare groups, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria observed that authorities could not remain "mute spectators" when citizens, particularly children and the elderly, are increasingly falling victim to dog attacks. The apex court expressed concern over the poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and warned municipal and state officials of contempt proceedings for non-compliance. The court also directed states to establish at least one Animal Birth Control centre in every district and asked high courts to monitor implementation.
Activists Raise Concerns
However, animal activists have raised concerns over the court's observations. Nagpur-based activist Smita Mire stated that while public safety is important, the issue reflects administrative failure rather than the mere presence of stray animals. She argued that authorities have failed for years to implement sterilisation, vaccination, and shelter mechanisms. Mire questioned whether the arbitrary identification of "aggressive" dogs could lead to misuse and unscientific euthanasia. She emphasized that accountability should rest with civic authorities for the poor implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes, instead of shifting the burden onto "speechless animals."
Year-on-Year Comparison
- 2022: 3,108 cases
- 2023: 3,372 cases
- 2024: 3,465 cases
- 2025: 3,444 cases
- 2026: 4,226 cases
Key Trends in 2026
2026 is the first year in which every month from January to April crossed the 1,000-case mark. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January 1,060, February 1,041, March 1,023, and April 1,102. This consistent high number underscores a growing public health concern that demands immediate attention from municipal authorities and policymakers.
