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Stray Dog Attacks In Chennai On The Rise, Chennai Corporation Cites Legal Hurdles In Taking Action

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

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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