Dibrugarh: As many as 102 dog-bite cases were reported in Dibrugarh over seven days from Aug 26 to Sept 1, raising concern over the stray-dog menace and the risk of rabies exposure among residents.Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) superintendent Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said on Wednesday 102 people from different parts of Dibrugarh city had sought treatment at the hospital after being bitten by dogs during the period.The situation was particularly serious on Sept 1, when AMCH recorded 35 dog-bite cases in a single day. Of these, 30 were from the Thana Chariali area and five were from other parts of Dibrugarh city.“Yesterday, we received 35 dog-bite cases at AMCH. Of these, 30 were from Thana Chariali and five were from other areas of Dibrugarh,” Dr Bhuyan said.The actual number of dog-bite cases in the city could be higher, as many people reportedly seek treatment at private hospitals and healthcare facilities instead of AMCH.Amid the rise in cases, Dibrugarh mayor Saikat Patra announced that a fresh anti-rabies vaccination drive for stray dogs would begin on Wednesday afternoon.“Considering the rise in dog-bite cases, we have decided to start vaccination of stray dogs from 4pm today. The drive will cover different areas of Dibrugarh city,” Patra said.He urged residents to remain alert in areas where stray dogs are frequently found and advised those bitten by dogs to seek medical attention without delay.“People should be cautious, particularly in areas where there are large numbers of stray dogs. Children should be especially careful and should not approach or provoke stray animals. Anyone bitten by a dog should immediately come to the hospital for treatment,” Patra said.The figures have renewed concern over the need for sustained measures to vaccinate stray dogs and address the stray-dog menace in Dibrugarh.Since Aug 14, 2025, the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), the state veterinary dispensary and the NGO Animal Welfare People have been conducting anti-rabies vaccination drives at different locations across the city. More than 300 stray dogs have reportedly been vaccinated under the initiative.The campaign was launched at AT Road in Naliapool on Aug 14, 2025. Subsequent drives were organised in different parts of the city, with veterinary personnel and animal-welfare volunteers working together to identify and vaccinate stray dogs. Similar drives were also conducted at locations including Dibrugarh University and the Dibrugarh Airport complex.The renewed vaccination drive comes amid growing concern among residents over frequent encounters with stray dogs and the rising number of dog-bite cases.Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution around stray dogs and seek prompt medical care after any dog bite or suspected exposure, as rabies is potentially fatal but can be prevented with timely post-exposure treatment.
