Panchkula: Stray dog attacks continue to pose a serious public safety threat in Panchkula, with 7,026 dog bite cases reported between Jan and May 2026.The alarming figures highlight the MC’s failure to implement key directions issued by the Supreme Court, leaving residents vulnerable.Official data shows that the district recorded 14,230 dog bite cases in 2025, highest in three years, as compared to 10,875 in 2024 and 10,161 in 2023. The sharp rise in the first five months of 2026 suggests the numbers are burgeoning despite repeated judicial and administrative interventions.The Supreme Court had directed civic bodies to remove stray dogs from sensitive institutions such as hospitals, schools, colleges and parks, identify designated feeding zones, and catch and isolate aggressive dogs. It also mandated that only sterilised and vaccinated dogs be released back into their localities, while rabid or dangerously aggressive dogs be quarantined or housed in shelters.Residents allege that the MC has failed to act on these directives. Although tenders were floated to hire an agency to capture aggressive dogs, the process did not yield results. In several localities, the same aggressive dogs have attacked multiple people but continue to roam freely.Another major lapse is the failure to earmark designated feeding points. While Chandigarh MC has already identified feeding zones on its own, Panchkula MC has been awaiting suggestions from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) for over six months, without taking independent action.The directive to remove stray dogs from institutional premises also remains largely unimplemented. Packs of dogs continue to be seen inside and around hospitals, educational institutions, parks and govt offices, posing risks to visitors and commuters. Residents also complain about the sterilisation programme, saying that it has been ineffective in controlling the population.Victims of dog attacks describe the situation as alarming. Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Sector 25, said his seven‑year‑old son was bitten by a stray dog while travelling on a scooter. “The dogs were being fed in a non‑designated area. Despite lodging a complaint with the police, no action was taken,” he said.Senior citizen Mukesh Malhotra recounted suffering five bite injuries when a stray dog attacked him without provocation. He approached the MC and the Human Rights Commission but received no compensation. He criticised the complicated complaint process, saying that many elderly citizens are unable to navigate online procedures. “The MC has completely failed to curb the menace. Despite clear Supreme Court and government guidelines, implementation on the ground remains inadequate,” he added.Meanwhile, Mayor Sham Lal Bansal did not respond to calls or messages seeking his version.BOX: Dog bite cases in district2026 (Jan 1–May 30): 7,0262025: 14,2302024: 10,8752023: 10,161
