Ludhiana, Aug. 23 -- Even as dog bite cases continue to surge in the city, the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MC) lacks a dedicated rabies vaccination programme, leaving both humans and canines vulnerable to the infection has a 100% fatality rate.

Data from the Anti-Rabies Clinic at the Ludhiana civil hospital reveals that 7,067 dog bite cases were recorded till June this year. Monthly figures stood at 1,281 in January, 1,176 in February, 1,306 in March, 1,117 in April, 1,081 in May, and 1,110 in June.

The city has witnessed a steady rise in cases over the past few years-6,115 in 2021, 8,601 in 2022, 9,461 in 2023, and 13,488 in 2024. If the current trend continues, this year's tally may surpass last year's figure.

Currently, stray do...