Maharashtra, India, has witnessed a significant rise in dog bite cases, with nearly 500,000 incidents reported in the first quarter of 2026, resulting in 19 rabies deaths. This alarming trend follows 1.52 million dog bites recorded in 2025, up from 1.14 million in 2024. Contributing factors include a large stray dog population, easy access to food, and increased awareness leading to more reported cases. The State Public Health Department emphasizes the importance of timely medical care, as gaps in treatment can lead to fatalities. For instance, a six-year-old girl in Thane died from rabies despite receiving vaccinations after a dog bite, illustrating the critical need for immediate treatment. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported a steady increase in dog bites in Mumbai, with cases rising from 53,020 in 2020 to 130,000 in 2025. Efforts to manage the stray dog population include a sterilization program, which aims to reduce the number of stray dogs in the city. Health officials stress that while rabies is preventable, timely intervention is crucial to avoid severe outcomes.