Stray Dog Biting Spree Terrorizes Zirakpur's Baltana Area, Over 30 People Injured
In a distressing incident that has sparked widespread fear and outrage, a stray dog has allegedly gone on a biting spree in the Baltana area of Zirakpur, Mohali, targeting approximately 30 individuals over the past two weeks, according to local residents. The attacks have left the community in a state of panic, with many afraid to venture outside for daily activities.
Recent Attacks Highlight Escalating Menace
On Thursday, the situation reached a critical point when the dog reportedly bit a 14- or 15-year-old girl and an elderly man at Vaishali Enclave, Phase 2. Residents described the girl being bitten on the leg while simply walking in the colony, emphasizing that the attacks occur without any provocation and almost daily. "People are scared to send their children outside to play or even walk to nearby shops," said Ramu Maurya, a concerned area resident, who is demanding urgent intervention from authorities.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Municipal Inaction
A group of residents, including Ramu Maurya, Payal Sood, Shagun, Ansh Upadhyay, Rubal, Shalvi, Ramita Devi, Ashish Kumar, and Pushkar Ojha, have collectively alleged that the Zirakpur Municipal Council (MC) has failed to respond to their repeated complaints. "The dog sits in Phase 2 and attacks suddenly. We live in constant fear," stated Payal Sood, echoing the sentiments of many in the neighborhood. This lack of action has compounded the anxiety among locals, who feel abandoned by the civic body.
Complaints Extend Beyond Baltana to Other Areas
The stray dog issue is not confined to Baltana alone. Residents from other parts of Zirakpur have also approached the MC with similar grievances. Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Lohgarh, reported, "We have a pack of stray dogs roaming the streets and park. In the past one week, such dogs have attacked five to six people out on a morning walk. No action has been taken by the MC so far." This indicates a broader problem of stray animal management in the region, affecting multiple communities.
Municipal Council's Response and Sterilization Efforts
When contacted, Ranjit Kumar, the sanitary inspector of the Zirakpur Municipal Council, provided some insight into the situation. He mentioned that while the tender process for sterilizing stray dogs has been completed, it remains unclear whether the contracted company has commenced work. "We are currently on duty in Anandpur Sahib," he said, without offering a specific timeline for addressing the crisis in Baltana. This response has further fueled residents' frustration, as they perceive it as a delay in tackling an immediate threat to public safety.
Urgent Demands for Enhanced Security Measures
In light of the ongoing attacks, residents have issued a strong appeal to the Municipal Council to take immediate and decisive steps. Their demands include:
- Controlling the stray dog menace through effective measures.
- Relocating aggressive animals to safe shelters to prevent further harm.
- Strengthening security arrangements in residential areas to ensure the safety of children, elderly individuals, and all community members.
The community's plea underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to restore peace and prevent future incidents, as the current situation poses a significant risk to public health and well-being in Zirakpur.
