KOCHI: Seven persons, including a woman, were admitted to hospital after they suffered stray dog bites on Sunday morning near HMT Junction at Kalamassery. The dog is said to be rabid. Those who suffered injuries are Veeraprasad, Buli, Bijoy Sam George, Krishna Pai, Gopalakrishnan and Shibi Shaji. They have been admitted to the Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital at Kalamassery. Another person named Delvin who was admitted to the medical college was later transferred to a private hospital. According to local residents, the dog started attacking persons who were going to church apart from some migrant labourers going to work.
At least four migrant labourers were hurt in the attack. Local residents said that the area was witnessing increased stray dog menace recently and it was the responsibility of the local body to act immediately to prevent further attacks. Kalamassery Municipal chairperson Jessy Peter said the dog had been caged and measures were being explored to provide financial assistance from the District Administration to the migrant labourers who were bitten by the dog.
Ms Jessy Peter also said that measures were being taken by the municipality to curb the stray dog menace in the municipal area. “Kudumbasree workers are being given training to catch dogs and sterilise them. They will soon launch activities to nab the stray dogs. A total of 823 stray dogs have been identified in the area. '2,000 is needed to sterilize and rehabilitate each dog which is exclusive of the charge of Kudumbasree workers,” she said.
