Street dog attacks: 118 deaths in Kerala over 10 years, including 12 children

Kothamangalam: Over the past 10 years, 12 children below the age of 10 have died in the state after being bitten by street dogs. In the same period, nine people aged between 10 and 20 also lost their lives. Overall, 118 people have died across the state due to rabies during the last 10 years. Of these, 28 deaths were caused by bites from pet dogs infected with rabies. These figures are based on information provided by the Health Department in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, covering deaths reported up to November 20, 2025.

The highest number of deaths due to street dog bites in Kerala was reported from Kollam district (21), while the lowest was in Kasaragod (one).

District-wise deaths:

Thiruvananthapuram – 16, Palakkad – 13, Alappuzha – 12, Thrissur – 11, Ernakulam – 9, Kozhikode – 9, Pathanamthitta – 7, Kannur – 7, Malappuram – 4, Idukki – 3, Wayanad – 3, Kottayam – 2.

No Compensation

The number of people injured by dog bites is more than double the number of those who died. However, according to the RTI reply received by Farmers Awareness Revival Movement General Secretary Sijumon Francis, no compensation—including medical expenses—is being provided to the injured by local bodies or from disaster relief funds.

Following Supreme Court directions, the Justice Sirijagan Committee had instructed local bodies to provide compensation for treatment. However, the committee later ceased functioning.

Although the government issued an order to form District Stray Dog Victim Committees under the Kerala Legal Services Authority in all districts, these committees have not begun functioning yet.