Maharashtra sees 30 lakh dog bites in 6 years, 30 rabies deaths

• Maharashtra recorded over 30 lakh dog bite cases in the last six years, averaging 1,369 incidents daily.
• Between 2021 and 2023, 30 people died from rabies in the state.
• Deputy CM Eknath Shinde informed the state assembly about the increase in dog bite cases and rabies deaths.
• Local bodies have been instructed to intensify animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination programs.
• These measures follow Supreme Court directions from August 2024 and Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

Why It Matters: High dog bite rates and rabies deaths in Maharashtra highlight public health risks.