Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 12 -- The rising number of stray dog attacks and rabies-related deaths has sparked renewed debate across the country, with Kerala recording 2,24,182 dog-bite cases and 15 deaths till August 2025. Of the fatalities, 11 were attributed to stray dogs and four to domestic dogs.

India continues to be labelled the "global capital" for stray dog bites and rabies fatalities. Kerala, with its growing stray dog population, remains a significant concern.

As per the 2019 Livestock Census, India is home to an estimated 15 crore stray dogs. A 2022 survey estimated the stray dog population in Kerala at 2.9 lakh, but officials say the number has since increased significantly.

The last official stray dog population survey in 20...