Due to rising incidents of human-animal conflicts, including attacks by stray cattle and dog bites, the city corporation in the state is facing public criticism for its perceived inaction amidst a surge in dog-bite incidents across the Tamil Nadu.
Once again, an eight-year-old girl in Achanputhur town was viciously attacked by a group of six stray dogs resulting in her admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Government Headquarters Hospital in Tenkasi.
The victim, K Manishika Sri, daughter of Kaliraj, a daily wage worker in the town, was playing outside when the dogs pounced on her, leaving bite wounds on her head, legs, and hands. Fortunately, a relative intervened and drove the dogs away, rescuing her. She was promptly taken to GHQH for treatment. GHQH Superintendent R Jesline confirmed that the girl suffered multiple bite wounds on her head, but assured that with proper medical care, she is expected to recover and could be discharged within five days.
District Collector AK Kamal Kishore and Kadayanallur MLA C Krishnamurali visited the hospital to offer condolences and support to the girl’s family during this difficult time.
In response to the incident, Dr. Susikaran, chairman of Achanputhur town panchayat, submitted a petition to the collector urging immediate action to address the stray dog issue in the area. He expressed frustration that previous appeals to resolve the problem had been ignored, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention by the district administration and the animal husbandry department to prevent such incidents in the future.
Recent Stray Dog Bite Cases
- On 19 June 2024, a 6-year-old boy Saisaran in Santhome was bitten by a stray dog while attempting to feed it biscuits and was hospitalized at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children in Egmore.
- on 1 June 2024, a 16-year-old boy, D Anbarasu, was bitten by a neighbor’s pet dog in KK Nagar while walking with a friend. He suffered leg injuries and received treatment at a nearby hospital.
- On 9 May 2024, in Thalambur, a Pomeranian allegedly bit a 10-month-old baby girl at a park, resulting in a minor injury. Meanwhile, in St Thomas Mount, a Husky dog belonging to a police constable bit a 10-year-old boy, prompting hospital treatment and a police complaint.
- On 7 May 2024, A five-year-old girl was severely injured by two pet Rottweiler dogs at a Chennai park, underwent surgery for head injuries. The owners were arrested and later released on bail. The incident led to charges of negligence and endangerment. The Corporation plans to handle the stray dog issue due to the owner’s negligence, as they lacked proper licensing and vaccinations for the dogs.
- In April 2024, Krithika, a pregnant dentist from Kolathur, was attacked by three unleashed dogs belonging to lawyer Venkatesh (50) while walking her own dog on night. Krithika’s husband sustained injuries trying to protect their pet, and both were hospitalized.
நீங்க போய் அந்த எருமை மாட்டை பார்த்துட்டு வாங்க சார். நான் போய் அந்த நாய் கடிச்ச பையனை பார்த்து ஆறுதல் சொல்லிட்டு வந்துடுறேன் சார். அடுத்து நாம போட்டிருக்கும் ஸ்பீட் பிரேக்கர்ல விழுந்து யாராவது அடிபட்டால் நாம ரெண்டு பேரும் சேர்ந்து போய் பார்த்துட்டு வருவோம் சார்.
ஆறுதல்… pic.twitter.com/a3gpLn4bRK
— Arappor Iyakkam (@Arappor) June 18, 2024
As the criticism escalated, the Chennai Corporation responded that there are legal challenges in enforcing bans on owning certain animals under the Tamil Nadu Animals and Birds in Urban Areas Act, 1997. Commissioner J Radhakrishnan emphasizes adherence to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 for managing stray dog populations, urging dialogue among stakeholders. The corporation has initiated a city-wide dog census with Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) to gather data, while also exploring the feasibility of vasectomy as an alternative to castration in dog sterilization programs to enhance effectiveness and minimize post-operative complications.
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