Panchkula, Aug. 21 -- A recent Supreme Court order addressing the stray dog issue has put the spotlight back on Panchkula, where dog bite cases are on the rise. In 2024, the city reported a 17.5% increase in dog bite incidents compared to the previous year.

According to official government data, Panchkula reported 4,543 cases in 2023, which rose to 5,337 in 2024. This year, as many as 3,541 cases have been reported till July. The civil hospital in Sector-6 alone reported 715 dog bite cases in July, marking the highest monthly figure in recent years. Officials said that the actual figures may be higher, as many victims seek care at other dispensaries or private clinics.

Despite a clear directive from the Punjab and Haryana high court in ...