Rabid Dogs on the Loose in Bandipora: 28 Bitten in a Single Day

Bandipora, May 6: 28 people were bitten by rabid dogs in Mangnipora and Quil Villages of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday, triggering panic in the areas.
Many residents were scared of leaving their homes as the pack of strays kept prowling throughout the day, attacking passersby.

The residents of Mangnipora and Quilmuqam villages said that the stray dogs are on the prowl in their area and have attacked and injured twenty-eight people, forcing them to stay indoors. They said that none of the government officials had visited the village to neutralize the rapid pack.

The residents also stated that the population of dogs is increasing in the villages, and the authorities are not concerned about the issue and are acting as mute spectators. They appealed to the authorities to act against the increasing population of rapid dogs.

Residents have stopped sending their children out of their homes as they fear the dogs roaming around in the village and attacking whoever comes their way.

Firdous Ahmad, a resident of Mangnipora village, said that the hundreds of dogs present in Mangnipora and Quilmuqam villages have made people’s lives hell. He added that they appeal to the authorities to curb the dog population and kill the stray dogs in the area. If the authorities do not oblige, then locals will be forced to kill these stray dogs themselves.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, said that free anti-rabies injections were given to about 25 injured persons initially and will be assisted in the future course as well.