Stray dog menace grips North Paravur

Kochi: Stray dog menace has become a major concern in North Paravur, with opposition councillors alleging a complete failure by municipal authorities to effectively implement animal birth control (ABC) programme. Opposition in the local body has demanded urgent action. On Wednesday alone, three people were bitten by stray dogs within the municipality limits.According to sources, the dog first attacked a roadside vendor and went on to bite a passerby and a mechanic who was repairing a damaged truck parked along roadside. The dog later ran towards Chittattukara panchayat area and attacked other stray dogs in the vicinity, raising suspicion of rabies infection. Soon after, the dog was hit by a vehicle and died on the spot.The dead dog was taken to Govt Veterinary Hospital in Mannuthy on Thursday to confirm whether it canine was infected with rabies."Vaccination drives conducted by previous council were not effective," said former councillor and CPM area secretary in North Paravur T V Nidhin.Nidhin said that the municipality in the past ensured ABC measures, but such steps have not been taken for the past five years.Councillors also pointed out that no dedicated dog shelter has been constructed so far, worsening the situation. "Indiscriminate feeding of stray dogs by certain individuals has contributed to the rising number of incidents," said leader of opposition C A Rajeev.He added that stray dogs are frequently seen in and around hospitals and school premises, posing a serious threat to residents, especially children.Opposition councillors blamed unscientific waste collection and disposal practices for attracting stray dogs and exacerbating the problem. They have demanded urgent and coordinated action from municipality to curb the menace and ensure public safety.