THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Shocking data released in the State Assembly indicates that the stray dog crisis in Kerala has reached an unprecedented peak during the tenure of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. Minister for Local Self-Government, M.B. Rajesh, revealed that over 1.5 million people were bitten by dogs between 2021 and 2025, painting a grim picture of public safety in the state.
Responding to a legislative inquiry on January 27, 2026, the Minister confirmed that the state recorded 1,502,737 dog bite cases and 122 rabies-related deaths in this five-year window. The statistics show a relentless year-on-year increase, suggesting that existing control measures have failed to curb the growing canine population.
A Half-Decade of Escalation
The data highlights a nearly 67% surge in annual bite cases since the second Pinarayi administration took office. In 2021, the state recorded 2.21 lakh cases; by 2025, that figure skyrocketed to 3.69 lakh.
Year-Wise Breakdown (2021–2025):
Year Dog Bite Cases Rabies Deaths
2021 2,21,379 11
2022 2,88,866 27
2023 3,06,427 25
2024 3,16,793 26
2025 3,69,272 33
Total 15,02,737 122
Policy Failures and Public Anxiety
The “Second Pinarayi Era” has seen intensified debates over the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Despite the government earmarking significant funds and launching the “Rabies-Free Kerala” project, the rising death toll—peaking at 33 in 2025—has led to widespread criticism from the opposition and the public.
Minister Rajesh noted that the implementation of ABC rules has faced hurdles, including stringent Central Government norms and local resistance to setting up sterilization centers. However, for the citizens of Kerala, the numbers represent a terrifying daily reality where public spaces, including streets and beaches, have become increasingly hazardous.
