Chandigarh Grapples with Alarming Dog Bite Epidemic
Chandigarh is confronting a serious public health emergency as dog bite incidents surge dramatically. The city recorded a staggering total of 36,515 cases in just eleven months of 2025. This translates to an average of more than 100 bite cases every single day, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Monthly Figures Reveal Peak in July
The crisis reached its highest point in July 2025, with over 4,000 reported bites marking the worst monthly spike. Health officials acknowledge that these numbers might include patients from neighboring areas, since medical treatment cannot be refused to outsiders seeking help in Chandigarh.
Here is a breakdown of the monthly case load for 2025:
- January: 3,462 cases
- February: 2,977 cases
- March: 3,515 cases
- April: 3,277 cases
- May: 3,032 cases
- June: 2,917 cases
- July: 4,018 cases
- August: 3,493 cases
- September: 3,444 cases
- October: 3,305 cases
- November: 3,075 cases
- December: Data still being compiled
Municipal Corporation Advances First Dedicated Dog Shelter
In response to the growing crisis, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has taken a significant step toward constructing the city's first specialized dog shelter. Authorities have submitted a detailed building plan, site design, and internal management blueprint to the Animal Welfare Board of India for technical approval and support.
This move clears the path for construction at an isolated location in Sector 25, near the garbage processing plant. The proposed two-storey facility will spread across 1.7 acres and is designed to accommodate up to 1,980 dogs.
Shelter Features and Compliance
The shelter plans include several key features to ensure proper animal welfare:
- Separate exercise zones for dogs
- Individual kennel areas
- Fully equipped kitchen and storeroom
- On-site veterinary clinic
- Administrative block
- Waste treatment facilities
Officials emphasize that the design strictly follows Supreme Court directions and Animal Welfare Board standard operating procedures. Sources close to the project state that "given the land constraints, AWBI's consent is crucial to ensure welfare standards during the dogs' stay and management."
The UT administration recently filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court detailing compliance with Animal Birth Control Rules 2023. They also shared comprehensive estimates covering capital expenditure, staffing requirements, and recurring operational costs. The shelter is expected to become fully operational by December 31, 2026.
Current Measures and Sterilization Progress
While planning the permanent shelter, the Municipal Corporation has begun relocating dogs from sensitive institutions to a temporary facility in Sector 38. This interim measure aims to address immediate safety concerns in areas with high human-dog conflict.
Sterilization Efforts Show Results
The civic body reports significant progress in its sterilization program. Authorities claim they have sterilized nearly all of the city's estimated 10,800 dogs, recently ending their contract with a private agency. Remaining sterilization cases will now be handled through in-house resources.
Chandigarh has been running its Animal Birth Control program since 2014 through centers at Raipur Kalan and Sector 38 West. Dogs involved in bite complaints are routinely shifted to these centers or to SPCA isolation wards for observation and rabies checks.
The combination of aggressive sterilization and planned shelter facilities represents Chandigarh's multi-pronged approach to managing both public health concerns and animal welfare obligations. Residents await concrete results as the city battles this escalating crisis.
