World Rabies Day 2025 falls on 28 September 2025. It is a global moment to raise awareness of rabies, a disease that can be prevented but still kills thousands every year. This year’s theme is “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, a call for shared responsibility. Every person, group, or institution has a role. Here, we examine the situation in India, recent legal actions, and what must be done to reduce rabies cases and stray dog bite incidents.

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

World Rabies Day 2025

Rabies is a viral disease. Once a person shows symptoms, it is almost always fatal. It spreads primarily via the bite of a rabid animal. In India, dogs are the main source of transmission. Yet rabies is fully preventable with proper animal vaccination, post-exposure care, and community action. Fast treatment after a bite can save lives. But many cases are missed or treated too late.

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Provided here is the table that carries brief information about World Rabies Day:

World Rabies Day 2025 Theme

The theme of World Rabies Day 2025 is “Act Now: You, Me, Community”. It emphasizes that prevention of rabies is not only the job of health authorities or animal welfare bodies. Each individual matters.

Each community matters. The theme also marks a shift: for the first time in 19 years, the theme does not include the word “rabies” itself. That shows how far awareness has grown. The campaign offers tools: posters, logo assets, drawing/painting contests, media kits, and resources via GARC / WHO / United Against Rabies.

Rabies Cases in India

As of the year 2025, Rabies and dogs have become a hot topic of discussion. This has gained much limelight after the Supreme Court statements. Before we discuss the state of the court, let’s understand the Rabies cases in India:

• India bears a heavy burden of rabies. It is endemic here. It may account for around 36% of global rabies deaths. Estimates suggest 18,000-20,000 deaths per year in India due to rabies.
• Dog bite cases are high and rising. For example, Delhi has seen thousands of bites: 6,691 in 2022; 17,874 in 2023; 25,210 in 2024. 
• In Karnataka state, between January and late August 2025, there were about 3.1 lakh dog-bite cases. That number has increased compared to previous years.
• Many human deaths result from delayed treatment or lack of access to post-exposure prophylaxis. Also, children under 15 are often disproportionately affected. 

Supreme Court Verdict on Stray Dogs

In August 2025, the Supreme Court of India modified an earlier order (from 11 August) regarding stray dogs. The new / modified ruling directs that stray dogs picked up must be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and then released back to the same localities, except those that are rabid, suspected to be rabid, or showing aggressive behaviour. 

The Court also banned public feeding of stray dogs on streets and required the creation of dedicated feeding zones. A uniform national policy on stray dog management is to be formulated. Municipal authorities are to comply with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023.

This verdict sets the legal standard for how stray dogs should be handled across India. Its goal is to reduce stray dog bite incidents and rabies transmission while balancing animal welfare.

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Recent Cases After the Supreme Court Verdict on Stray Dogs

After the Supreme Court gave its verdict on stray dogs. Several cases and examples have gained significant attention:   

• In Chennai, following Supreme Court orders, the Greater Chennai Corporation vaccinated 46,122 stray dogs against rabies. Over 12,000 dogs were microchipped and geo-mapped to track their sterilisation and vaccination status. A pet registration drive also began.
• In Delhi, a sterilisation and vaccination campaign is being launched covering many government veterinary hospitals. The model used in Lucknow (capture-sterilise-vaccinate-release) is seen as a benchmark.
• In many states, municipalities are setting up feeding zones, tagging or microchipping dogs, improving surveillance, and engaging NGOs and community groups.

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