Shillong, Sept 1: With dog bite cases crossing 7,500 in just eight months in East Khasi Hills, the district administration on Tuesday launched a pilot project at Laban under the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination to achieve zero rabies deaths by 2030.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the situation is alarming.
“Within 15 days of joining, in a meeting called by the health and veterinary departments, it was brought to my notice that dog bite cases have risen to almost 10,000 a year. In these eight months alone, East Khasi Hills has reported over 7,500 cases, which is 50 more than the entire 2023 total,” Baranwal said.
“These are only reported cases, many go unreported. Fortunately no deaths have occurred as most dogs were not rabid, but rabies is 100 percent fatal and 100 percent preventable,” he said.
Baranwal said after consultations with Synjuk, Rangbah Shnongs and faith leaders, it emerged that fear of stray dogs and rising bite cases is a major public concern.
He said Rangbah Shnongs will be central to implementing the plan.
ADC F Basan said of the 2,823 bite cases recorded from January to August, 80 percent were caused by pet dogs.
“This is alarming. If we do a year-wise census, it would be over 5,000 cases per year,” he said.
Basan said an order effective from Tuesday lists 11 responsibilities for Dorbar Shnongs, including enumeration and registration of pet dogs, facilitating vaccination of stray and pet dogs, identifying stray dog hotspots, and regulating feeding points to stop indiscriminate feeding.
He said owners of breeds like Pitbull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and Doberman must take precautions during walks and display notices at homes, ensure waste management, and report all bite cases to police.
“Dorbar Shnongs have been empowered to file FIRs against habitual offenders and impose fines on violators,” Basan said.
