Stray dogs hound south Chennai suburbs; residents demand action

Chennai: A surge in stray dog attacks across Chennai's southern suburbs has triggered alarm among residents, with multiple cases reported in Tiruvallur, Chengalpet and Tambaram over the past two days. Residents have called for urgent action to isolate aggressive animals and prevent further incidents.At least 15 people were bitten by a stray dog in Tiruvallur, while two similar cases were recorded in Chengalpet. In Tambaram, particularly at Chromepet Govt Hospital, doctors are seeing between 10 and 15 dog-bite cases daily.Viral footage from Tiruvallur on Sunday showed a dog suddenly attacking a man standing on the road. In another case from Chengalpet, an aggressive stray dog entered a vegetable shop and bit a man.Across neighbourhoods such as East Tambaram, Selaiyur, Camp Road, Chitlapakkam and Sembakkam, residents report a growing presence of aggressive stray dogs. Packs are frequently seen occupying roads and pavements, often chasing pedestrians and vehicles, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. The increasing numbers have led to instances of people being chased, injured, or forced to alter their daily routines out of fear.Officials estimate that Tambaram Corporation has a stray dog population of around 44,000. However, unlike GCC, there is no comprehensive data on the floating dog population. Corporation records show that about 300 dogs were caught and sterilised until March this year, but residents claim efforts slowed in recent weeks due to officials being diverted for election-related work.M Gandhi, president of Pallavaram residents welfare association, said a biker was recently injured after skidding while trying to escape a dog. He pointed out that despite repeated complaints, aggressive dogs continue to roam freely. "After 8pm, several dogs can be seen on interior streets. Near Tambaram railway station's east entrance, cattle also occupy the roads and worsen traffic congestion," he said.P Viswanathan, convenor of Chitlapakkam residents welfare association, said the issue persists despite directions from the Supreme Court. "Officials cited election duty last month, but the problem has only intensified. Parents are now afraid to let children play outside," he added.Tambaram Corporation commissioner S Balachander said five dog-catching vehicles are currently in operation and aggressive dogs are being identified and moved to isolation centres for treatment. He added that three animal birth control (ABC) centres are functioning within corporation limits, and measures are being stepped up to address the issue.