Shimla’s Struggle with Rising Dog Attacks: A City in Fear

In the picturesque city of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, an alarming increase in dog attacks has left residents on edge, with an average of 184 people being bitten every month. The aggressive nature of these attacks often results in deep wounds, adding to the growing concern. A detailed study by Himachal Pradesh University has highlighted the escalating threat posed by both stray and pet dogs in the city.

Conducted in 2021–22 by Assistant Professor Dr. Deepak Sharma and research scholar Begiram, the study revealed that in 2021 alone, Shimla hospitals reported 1,870 dog bite cases, with 940 resulting in serious injuries. Only 199 cases were minor scratches, while data for the remaining 740 cases remains unverified. Between January 2021 and April 2022, the number of bite cases rose to 2,951, including people from nearby areas seeking treatment in Shimla hospitals.

One major factor behind this rising menace is the failure of the city’s dog sterilisation campaign. Initiated in 2006, the campaign was abruptly halted in 2011 and has since remained largely inactive. The Municipal Corporation lacks a clear count of the dog population and has no special helpline for reporting dog bites or designated feeding centers, exacerbating the problem.

Currently, the Municipal Corporation does not have a single veterinary doctor for sterilisation, with posts lying vacant for months. Despite requests for six doctors from the Animal Husbandry Department, none have been deputed. Even the appointed Veterinary Officer and Public Health Officer were transferred, bringing sterilisation work to a complete standstill.

Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan has claimed to have raised the issue with the state government and assured that a doctor would be appointed soon.

Meanwhile, Shimla’s residents continue to live in fear. On a recent Friday evening, a youth was mauled by stray dogs at CTO Chowk near the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The young man, a resident of New Shimla, was trying to escape a monkey attack when dogs on the other side of Mall Road attacked him. He sustained injuries on his thigh and was taken to the hospital by his friends.

Such incidents have become common near Mall Road, CTO Chowk, Naaz Chowk, Khel Parisar, and Shilli Chowk, where packs of dogs frequently attack pedestrians. Authorities claim that existing rules only allow for sterilisation. Sterilised dogs and monkeys are often released back to the same area, even if they are aggressive. While the forest department previously offered compensation for monkey attacks, now only free vaccinations are provided.

Despite repeated complaints from residents, the Municipal Corporation, district administration, and state government have failed to bring relief. With no doctors, no data, and no helpline, Shimla’s battle with its growing stray dog problem remains a dangerous and unresolved issue.