Rabid Stray Dogs Attack 9, Injure Toddler and Teens in Kerala
In two separate incidents on Wednesday, stray dogs attacked multiple people in Kayamkulam town and Vaniyamkulam near Ottapalam, leaving nine injured, including a one-and-a-half-year-old boy. The attacks occurred within hours of each other, sparking panic in the localities.
Kayamkulam Attack: Eight Injured, One Dog Killed
The first incident took place around 9 am near Aikya Junction in Kayamkulam. A rabid dog went on a rampage, biting eight people. The victims included Nehra Fathima (14), Faiza Fathima (14), Naseer (60), Sarasan (65), Suresh (59), Binu (47), Mariyan (52) from Thenkasi, and migrant worker Shambhu Thakur (28). Naseer, Shambhu, and Mariyan were admitted to the Medical College for treatment. According to witnesses, Sarasan, who was riding a scooter, was the first to be attacked. The dog then ran through a side lane and attacked Nehra and Faiza, who were on their way to school. Bystanders rushed to their rescue and chased the dog away. While fleeing, the dog bit others. Some people eventually chased and killed the dog. A postmortem examination later confirmed that the dog was rabid.
Vaniyamkulam Attack: Toddler Bitten on Footpath
In the second incident, a toddler named Ishan from Undiyilpadi was attacked while walking on the footpath holding his mother’s hand. According to relatives, the mother and child were heading to a shop in Vaniyamkulam when a dog lying nearby suddenly approached from behind and bit the child. Ishan sustained injuries below the waist and was immediately taken to Ottapalam taluk hospital for treatment. The dog was not caught, and authorities have launched a search.
Local residents have expressed outrage over the increasing number of stray dog attacks in the region. They have demanded immediate action from the local administration to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, health officials have advised those bitten to undergo anti-rabies treatment promptly.
