Dog Bite Cases Hit Record High in Nagpur, Cross 4,200 in 4 Months Dog bite incidents in Nagpur have surged to an unprecedented level, with over 4,200 cases reported in the first four months of 2026, marking the highest number since records began in 2022. The data, compiled for the January–April period, reveals a sharp 22.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 3,444 cases were recorded. This year’s figures, totaling 4,226 cases, have shattered previous records, with each month in the first quarter of 2026 surpassing the 1,000-case threshold for the first time in history. January alone saw 1,060 cases, followed by 1,041 in February, 1,023 in March, and a record 1,102 in April—surpassing the previous April high of 887 cases in 2022. The spike in incidents has raised urgent concerns about stray dog management in the city. Authorities have faced mounting pressure to address the crisis, particularly as the Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea seeking a stay on its directives to remove stray dogs from public spaces such as hospitals, schools, and colleges. The court emphasized that officials could not remain passive in the face of growing threats to vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The apex court also highlighted the poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and warned municipal and state officials of potential contempt proceedings for non-compliance. In a significant directive, the Supreme Court ordered states to establish at least one ABC centre in every district and instructed high courts to monitor the implementation of these measures. However, animal activists have expressed skepticism about the court’s approach, arguing that the issue stems from systemic administrative failures rather than the mere presence of stray animals.#nagpur #stray_dogs #supreme_court #animal_birth_control_abc_rules_2023 #smita_mire
