Bengaluru: Residents of Belagavi city and surrounding areas in Karnataka are living in constant fear due to the increasing menace of stray dogs. From January to September 2025, 16,105 dog bite cases were reported across the district, resulting in eight deaths. Despite repeated complaints from citizens, the district administration or the municipal corporation has not taken any concrete steps to address this problem.
Packs of stray dogs can be seen roaming freely in neighborhoods, especially near butcher shops and garbage dumps where waste is not properly disposed of. Children and the elderly have become easy targets, and reports of them being chased and attacked by dogs are frequent in many areas.
In one incident in Sahyadri Nagar, a young boy walking home alone was attacked and bitten by stray dogs. He was seriously injured in the attack, captured on CCTV, and was treated at the district hospital. Belagavi city alone reportedly has over 16,000 stray dogs.
Failure to Capture Dogs
Residents complain that the municipal authorities’ failure to conduct sterilization drives and capture aggressive stray dogs has led to an alarming increase in dog-related incidents. Although the Belagavi Municipal Corporation allocates approximately ₹1 crore annually to control the stray dog population, locals allege that this amount is not being used effectively.
Mahadevi Koli, a housewife in Belagavi, said, “Stray dogs have become a serious threat. People are afraid to walk alone, and many have even been attacked by stray dogs while riding two-wheelers, resulting in injuries from falls. Authorities must take action before more lives are lost.”
Anti-Rabies Vaccine
District Health Officer Dr. Ishwar Gadad, speaking to ETV Bharat, said, “If treatment is delayed after a dog bite, rabies infection is fatal in almost all cases. However, awareness about timely vaccination has increased, and most victims are now immediately seeking government hospitals. Taking the full five doses of the anti-rabies vaccine can completely prevent rabies.”
Belagavi Municipal Commissioner Shubha B. admitted that the lack of sterilization and shelter facilities has worsened the problem. She said, “Currently, there is no dog sterilization center in the city. It is estimated that over 16,000 dogs roam in Belagavi.
Land identified for setting up a sterilization center
Land has been identified near KK Kopp village for setting up a sterilization and shelter center, which will become operational soon. This will help reduce the stray dog population.” Health officials have advised people not to ignore dog bites. They said, “Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and go to the nearest government hospital for treatment.”
With increasing complaints and frequent attacks, the stray dog problem in Belagavi has now become a major public health concern, requiring immediate attention from the municipal and health authorities.
