State is facing a deepening stray dog crisis, with official figures revealing not just the scale of the problem, but how it has worsened in recent years. Govt data shows that more than 3 lakh people were bitten by stray dogs in 2025 alone, the highest recorded in the past five years.What stands out is not just the volume, but the trajectory. In 2021, the number of cases stood at over 2 lakh. Within four years, that figure climbed by nearly 1.48 lakh cases, marking a 66.8% increase. After a sharp spike in 2022, there was a brief slowing down, but the numbers surged again in 2025, indicating that the problem is far from under control. A closer look at district-wise data shows that the burden is unevenly spread, with some regions witnessing a far sharper rise than others. Thiruvananthapuram continues to report the highest number of cases, rising from 31,806 in 2021 to 58,108 in 2025. Kollam follows a similar pattern, nearly doubling from 23,525 to 45,521. But the most striking rise is in Thrissur, where cases have shot up from 13,818 to 36,711, more than doubling within the five-year period. Districts like Ernakulam (35,681) and Palakkad (35,170) also feature among the worst affected in 2025, reflecting a broader spread across central and southern Kerala. In contrast, hilly districts such as Wayanad (6,702) and Idukki (11,539) continue to report relatively fewer cases. The data also reveals that the surge is no longer confined to traditionally high-incidence districts. Regions like Kottayam and Alappuzha have seen steep rises over the years, signalling that the problem is expanding geographically rather than remaining contained. Alongside the growing number of stray dog bites, rabies deaths remain a serious concern. The figures show that 33 people died of rabies in 2025, the highest in the five-year period. The total number of deaths between 2021 and 2025 stands at 122. District-wise data on deaths presents a more complex picture. While Kollam and Alappuzha reported five deaths each in 2025, districts with the highest bite cases, like Thiruvananthapuram, reported fewer fatalities. On the other hand, districts like Kottayam, Idukki, Wayanad and Kasaragod reported zero deaths in 2025, suggesting differences in access to timely treatment and post-bite care. The mismatch between bite cases and deaths indicates that while exposure is widespread, outcomes vary significantly depending on how quickly victims receive medical attention. Senior bureaucrat N Prasanth has called for decisive legal intervention, stating that Kerala “has both the constitutional space and legal backing to act” and should consider a dedicated law — such as a Public Safety and Aggressive Animals Regulation Act — to identify and control dangerous stray animals, while fully utilising existing provisions to deal with rabies-suspected cases in hotspot areas.
