THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Four days after a stray dog went on a biting spree injuring five people, including a ward member, and attacking several pets before dying at Puliyarakonam in Vilappilsala, the lack of safety measures and inaction by authorities continue to cause concerns among the public.
The attack comes close on the heels of stray dogs biting 38 people across the capital city over the past week. Health officials confirmed that the dog involved in the latest attack was rabid, leaving residents concerned.
In response, the local body has decided to intensify campaigns to vaccinate canines in all 48 wards.
G S Kavitha, a ward member, Vijayan, a MGNREGA labourer from Myladi, Sasi Kumar from Parambukonam and Mohanan from Kunjukonam, were among those injured in the latest incident. An autorickshaw driver was reportedly bitten too.
Vijayan was the first to be attacked. The dog bit him while he was working. When G S Kavitha went to check on Vijayan, she was bit too. Upon hearing the commotion, Sasi Kumar went to check and offer help, but ended up getting attacked.
Mohanan was bitten while he was in the courtyard of his house. The stray also bit other dogs and cats, and was later found dead. Initial examinations indicated signs of rabies.
“All those who were bitten were administered the vaccine,” said Myladi ward member Georgekutty. He said criticisms were mounting against the vaccination programmes being carried out by the corporation and associated organisations.
“The vaccinations are being done in name only, and not all dogs in an area are being vaccinated. Nine out of 10 dogs are not vaccinated,” Georgekutty said. The need for more regulated and thorough vaccination drives has become a common demand, as residents fear another stray dog attack can take place at any time.
Since rabies has been confirmed in the stray dog involved in the latest attack, the vaccination campaign will be extended from Nemom to Vanchiyoor. The drives have already begun in areas like Attukal and Pappanamcode, yet reports suggest fewer than 50 dogs have been given the jab so far.
Considering the possibility that the rabid dog might have infected other canines, which could lead to more attacks in future, the authorities have decided to vaccinate all the dogs in the areas where the attacks took place. However, it is unclear when the vaccination drive will be completed.