Awareness and perception of stray dogs and rabies in Shimla: an evaluative study

Background: Rabies, a deadly yet preventable disease, continues to pose a grave public health threat. Most rabies cases in India are caused by bites from unvaccinated stray dogs, making the issue of utmost importance and deeply rooted in how society perceives and engages with stray dogs. At the nucleus of this challenge lies public perception, that significantly influences their behaviour towards them, disease. As mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992, the responsibility for managing stray dogs lies primarily with local self-governments. Their success in implementing sterilization, vaccination, and awareness programs depends heavily on public perception, cooperation, and trust. Methods: The study was conducted in MC Shimla of Himachal Pradesh with the population sample of 175 selected from top ten most populous wards of MC Shimla. Primary and secondary data has been used for the purpose of research. Results: Public opinion on feeding stray dogs is divided, with 27.4% appreciating it and 28.6% expressing annoyance, and 22.3% have a concern for hygienic conditions. About half of the respondents believe regular feeding can result into territorial aggression. Despite of having all these concerns, majority of respondents (86.5%) feel that education is essential for responsible interaction with stray dogs. Conclusions: This study concluded that public perceptions about stray dogs and rabies significantly influence policies. The findings highlight the importance of integrating community awareness and concerns into policy frameworks to ensure sustainable approaches to stray dog management and rabies control.