Be kind to street dogs.

Don't chase, corner, or throw stones at a street dog. And if any animal bites you, wash it with soap and running water at once, then see a doctor.

A dog that isn't scared has no reason to bite. Same as the rest of us.

Here's the science

What happensA dog bite or scratch that breaks the skin
HowRabies virus in dog saliva enters through the wound; dogs are the source of almost every human case
SoAvoiding bites is the main way to avoid rabies, which is nearly always fatal once it begins

99% of human rabies cases come from dog bites and scratches (Global (WHO))

Strongest - many studies agreeGLOBAL

“Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of the human rabies cases, and can be prevented through dog vaccination and bite prevention.”

A global figure that holds in India, which carries one of the world's largest shares of rabies deaths.

What happensWashing a bite wound with soap and running water straight away
HowPrompt, thorough washing removes and inactivates the virus at the wound before it can spread
SoA simple first-aid step that lowers the chance a bite turns into rabies

Strongest - many studies agreeGLOBAL

“extensive wound washing with water and soap for at least 15 minutes soon after an exposure”

Washing is first aid, not a substitute for the anti-rabies vaccine after a bite - always see a doctor.

What happensTeasing, chasing, cornering, or stoning a dog
HowA frightened or cornered dog bites to defend itself; these bites are provoked and avoidable
SoGiving dogs space prevents a real share of bites

Suggestive - measured in the real worldIN

“75.9% bites were unprovoked”

A single-site Indian study; if about three-quarters of bites were unprovoked, roughly a quarter were provoked and preventable.

And when we do it

A dog given room stays calm, fewer people are bitten, and a quick wash plus the vaccine stop rabies before it can start.

You couldn't have known. Now you do.