4,000 cases of dogs bites in first two months of this year; 2 students bitten on Jnana Bharati campus

BENGALURU: The menace of stray dogs is on the rise in Bengaluru, with over 4,000 cases of dog attacks reported in just the first two months of this year. A majority of these incidents have been reported in the Bengaluru West and RR Nagar zones.

As per statistics available, a staggering 1,98,815 dog attack cases have been registered in the city over the past eight years. In 2023-24 alone, 21,000 cases were reported, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The total number of dog attack cases reported in Bengaluru in two months is 4,397. Following is the breakup of the incidents:

January 2025: Bommanahalli (150), Dasarahalli (154), East (363), Mahadevapura (262), RR Nagar (387), South (256), West (889), and Yelahanka (73).

February 2025: Bommanahalli (118), Dasarahalli (56), East (302), Mahadevapura (209), RR Nagar (271), South (212), West (666), and Yelahanka (29).

The  dog attack cases in a year wise in Bengaluru are as follows: 36,672 in 2017-18, 38,978 in 2018-19, 42,818 in 2019-20, 18,629 in 2020-21, 17,610 in 2021-22, 22,945 in 2022-23, and 21,163 in 2023-24.

Recently, a person died after a deadly dog attack in the capital city. Two days ago, two female students were attacked by stray dogs while walking in the Jnana Bharathi campus of Bengaluru University, sparking fear among students.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had proposed a plan to sterilise stray dogs, but it was met with backlash and was subsequently dropped. However, the BBMP needs to find a solution to curb the stray dog menace in Bengaluru, as repeated incidents of dog bites are coming to light, citizens say.

In the latest incident, two female students, Sujanya and Rega Nikshita, were attacked by stray dogs while walking on the university campus. The incident occurred around 6:45 am, and the injured students were immediately admitted to a private hospital.

The stray dogs, which are estimated to be over 200 in number, have been entering the campus through a spot where fencing has not been done due to ongoing litigation. The university administration has decided to provide additional security measures around the campus, especially near the hostel and the spot where the dogs are entering.

Meanwhile, Advocate Bheemana Gowda has announced that he will file a case in the High Court condemning the stray dog attacks. “The treatment cost for the two students has already reached Rs. 1.2 lakh, and the BBMP has been asked to bear the expenses. The health of the students, who are currently admitted to a private hospital, is stable. The university administration has requested the BBMP to shift the stray dogs and provide safety to the students”, he said.

Prof Vishwanath, Vice Chancellor, Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics University, expressed regret over the incident. “The two students are out of danger. There is no fencing on one side of the campus due to litigation. We have requested the BBMP to come to a solution. We are holding talks with Bangalore University regarding building a compound wall and fence, which are also necessary to prevent stray dogs”, he said.