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As incidents of stray dog attacks continue to rise across the country, leaving children injured and, in some cases, costing elderly people their lives, the issue has reached the Supreme Court and sparked protests by animal rights groups. Amid the ongoing debate between supporters and opponents, several individuals and community groups are quietly working on the ground to protect victims and address the root causes of the crisis.
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the growing population of stray dogs, estimated at around 1.25 lakh in urban areas, has emerged as a serious public safety concern. At the forefront of relief efforts is Dr Rajiv Lochan, former director of Balrampur Hospital and son of former Chief Minister Ramprakash Gupta. Since retiring, Dr Lochan has devoted himself to assisting victims of dog attacks by ensuring timely medical treatment and access to anti-rabies vaccines.
Dr Lochan has formed a WhatsApp network of around 90 volunteers from across the country who help coordinate medical support for victims. He personally escorts injured individuals to government hospitals and arranges anti-rabies injections at no cost. Motivated by personal experiences, having been bitten twice himself, and once witnessing his grandson being attacked, Dr Lochan says the daily reports of such incidents compelled him to act. His team also identifies aggressive dogs and works to prevent repeat attacks.
Community participation has also strengthened efforts in the Jankipuram Extension area of Lucknow. According to the residents’ committee general secretary Vinay Krishna Pandey, dog bite complaints are received almost daily. Committee members routinely take victims, including passers-by, to the Jankipuram Trauma Centre and assist them throughout treatment.
In Meerut, a group of three youths aged between 20 and 25 has taken up the responsibility of controlling the stray dog population using personal funds and support from family and friends. Since 2022, the group has vaccinated over 250 dogs against rabies and sterilised 127 animals. The team includes Ramanshi Kaushik, a footwear design student in Noida; Aditya Dhama, a contractor; and Vansh Garg, a BBA student at Chaudhary Charan Singh University.
Their initiative began with treating injured dogs and gradually expanded to vaccination and sterilisation drives. In 2024, they formally registered the ‘Bezubaan Foundation’, with veterinarian Dr Ashutosh Chaudhary joining the effort. Ramanshi has also established a shelter capable of housing 25 dogs.
According to the group, the cost of vaccinating one dog is approximately Rs 400, while the total expense, including capture, transport, food, and sterilisation, comes to around Rs 1,000 per animal. These costs are met through personal contributions, with veterinary services being provided without professional fees.
These grassroots efforts highlight that the stray dog issue cannot be resolved through confrontation alone. Balanced, humane initiatives driven by community participation are providing relief to victims while also working toward long-term solutions. Such actions are emerging as a critical support system amid growing public concern and fear.