"Most people panic and run, which triggers chase instinct in dogs": Bhubaneswar's canine crisis and how to stay safe

Bhubaneswar: In a distressing incident last month in Bhubaneswar's Sailashree Vihar area, seven-year-old Aditya Kumar was surrounded by a pack of stray dogs while returning from a nearby playground. The child suffered multiple bite wounds before being rescued by local shopkeepers. While Aditya survived, his case highlights a growing national concern – stray dog attacks that can turn potentially fatal.

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"The dogs appeared from nowhere and suddenly became aggressive," recounted Prakash Mohanty, a local shopkeeper who helped rescue the boy. "This isn't an isolated incident in our area. Just last week, an elderly woman was attacked near the same spot."

A Growing National Crisis

India reports approximately 17.4 million dog bites annually, with stray dogs accounting for nearly 60% of these incidents, according to the latest National Rabies Control Programme data. More alarmingly, dog attacks cause an estimated 20,000 human rabies deaths each year in India – accounting for 36% of global rabies fatalities.

A Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officer on anonymity, acknowledges the severity of the situation. "We've recorded over 300 dog bite cases in the first quarter of 2025 alone," he stated. "The corporation has intensified its Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, but the challenge remains enormous."

Dr. Sanjay Panda, a veterinarian in Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar, explains the complexity: "Most attacks occur due to territorial behavior, fear, or resource guarding. Female dogs with puppies are particularly defensive. The issue is compounded by unregulated feeding spots, improper waste management, and abandonment of pet dogs."

Staying Smart and Safe

Public health experts and animal behaviorists recommend the following safety measures:

For pedestrians and cyclists:

• Avoid areas known for stray dog packs, especially during early mornings and evenings

• Never run when encountering stray dogs; maintain a calm demeanor

• Avoid direct eye contact, which dogs perceive as threatening

• Carry a walking stick as a deterrent, not to harm the animals

• If attacked, protect your face, chest, and throat by curling into a ball

• If bitten, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention

"Most people panic and run, which triggers the chase instinct in dogs," explains Ranjan Samantaray, an animal behaviorist from Bhubaneswar. "Standing still, avoiding eye contact, and slowly backing away is your best defense."

Madhusmita Das, a resident of Bhubaneswar's Nayapalli area who survived a serious dog attack last year, shares her experience: "I used to carry biscuits to feed strays, thinking it would make them friendly. Now I realize my inconsistent feeding actually created territorial behavior. Since my attack, I've learned to respect their space while maintaining distance."

Responsible Pet Ownership

For pet owners, proper training and responsible ownership are crucial in preventing aggressive behavior:

• Socialize puppies early (between 3-14 weeks) with various people and environments

• Invest time in basic obedience training

• Never encourage aggressive play or guarding behavior

• Ensure regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations

• Avoid abandoning pets, which contributes to the stray population

• Consider spaying/neutering pets to reduce territorial aggression

• Leash-train your dog for public outings

Rukesh Vamsi, a professional dog trainer in Bhubaneswar, emphasizes: "Most dog aggression stems from fear or lack of proper socialization. Consistent, reward-based training from an early age can prevent most behavioral issues."

Systemic Solutions

The BMC has recently launched an intensified ABC program targeting 1,000 dogs monthly. "Beyond sterilization, we're also implementing designated feeding spots in each ward and improving waste management," explains a BMC Animal Welfare Officer.

Animal welfare activists point to larger systemic issues. "Improper garbage disposal creates food sources that attract stray dogs," notes Lisha Pattanaik of Bhubaneswar's People for Animals chapter. "Community engagement in responsible feeding programs, waste management, and reporting of aggressive dog behavior can significantly reduce incidents."

As India grapples with this growing public health concern, experts emphasize that solutions must balance human safety with humane treatment of animals. Through community awareness, responsible pet ownership, and coordinated municipal action, the human-canine conflict can be mitigated.

"Dogs aren't inherently aggressive," concludes Dr. Panda. "With proper management strategies and public education, we can create safer communities for both humans and animals."

If you experience a dog bite, thoroughly clean the wound immediately and seek medical attention within 24 hours. Post-exposure rabies prophylaxis is critical in preventing fatal complications.