Here is something you need to know about dogs in India
Fact 1
India has the highest numbers of stray dogs in the world at an approximated 62 million.
Fact 2
India also has the highest amount of human deaths by rabies. 95% of the time this is the result of a dog bite. 40% of the time the victim is is an impoverished child under the age of 14.
Fact 3
Historically, and in some communities today, the Indian government has taken to mass culling, an inhumane method that actually does not solve the problem.
Fact 4
To have a successful rabies elimination program, 70% of the dogs in an area must be vaccinated as per The World Health Organization’s protocol.
Rabies Prevention
Vaccinate your pets against rabies.
If your cat or dog is sick, seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Get the dogs in your village/neighborhood vaccinated and sterilized.
Feed the dogs in your community to help develop trust.
Do not throw rocks, kick, or take any cruel action toward a dog, this will simply make them fearful of humans and they may bite to protect themselves.
All cruelty is a criminal offence and punishable under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
If Bitten – Take Immediate Action
Immediately cleanse the wound thoroughly with soapy water.
Do not apply irritants to the wound such as chilli powder, plant juices, acids or alkalis.
Apply ethanol or a similar antiseptic to prevent secondary infection.
Get medical attention immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room. In Rampur Bushahr, go to Pipti Hospital.
Drinking Holy Water and applying turmeric will not help.
DO NOT DELAY. YOU NEED TREATMENT. Human rabies caused by the classical rabies virus continues to be almost 100% fatal, with no specific treatment available anywhere in the world.
For more information see the FAQs.
Here is what we are doing about it
Pashu Sakhi Program
We have identified Pashu Sakhi from villages of Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh. We feel that education is the way to a better future. We educate the Pashu Sakhi community on Rabies to prevent unnecessary human deaths. We also teach them compassion towards animals in hopes of preventing further cruelty and indifference. Pashu Sakhi conveys the same message to all villagers in their local dialects so that human from all age groups understands Rabies and its prevention methods. They also teach villagers on how to be kind to unknown dogs even if they are afraid of them. To learn more look at our Pashu Sakhi page.
Rabies Vaccination and Awareness Program
Every month Humane People organisation runs Rabies Vaccination and Awareness program/camp. We work with care taker, local feeders and vaccinated 500+ stray dogs. We also educate them on how to save life in case of any emergency.
