Bite back against rabies: Humane, evidence-based strategies for street dog population management in Indian cities

Abstract

Rabies remains a constant public health challenge in India, with the majority of human cases associated to dog bites. Street dog populations in Indian cities are on the rise due to rapid urbanisation, inadequate waste management, and inconsistent implementation of control measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 through mass vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and integrated “One Health” approaches. This paper reviews the epidemiology of rabies in India, examines the socio-cultural and policy factors influencing street dog populations, and evaluates humane, evidence-based strategies for population control and rabies prevention. The discussion includes the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, mass dog vaccination campaigns, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes, oral rabies vaccination (ORV), and public education initiatives. Evidence from both Indian and global contexts highlights that sustained, high-coverage vaccination, combined with effective sterilization and waste control, is the most effective long-term strategy. Policy reforms, adequate funding, intersectoral coordination, and community participation are essential to achieve the 2030 goal.