Rabid dog bites 15 in Panchkula, dies

PANCHKULA: A rabid dog reportedly bit around 15 persons, including women and children, in Sector 7 here this morning, triggering panic in the area. The victims panicked further when it came to light that the stray dog died a few minutes after being caught by a team of the Municipal Corporation.

A file photograph of stray dogs.

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 19

A rabid dog reportedly bit around 15 persons, including women and children, in Sector 7 here this morning, triggering panic in the area. The victims panicked further when it came to light that the stray dog died a few minutes after being caught by a team of the Municipal Corporation.

Two of them were referred to the anti-rabies dispensary in Sector 19, Chandigarh, while the others were sent for treatment to the General Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula. One of the victims was taken to the PGI after his condition was found to be serious. The victims included two children, three women, two sanitation workers, a “raagi” of the Sector 7 gurdwara and some others who were putting up at the gurdwara.

The incident occurred around 5 am when the victims had gone for a walk at a park where the dog attacked them. PN Kakkad (77), Sita Devi (63), Lakhwinder Singh (41), Shiv Kumar (55) and Satish (50) were among those bitten by the dog, who ran amok chasing them.

The incident led to commotion in the nearby locality as people ran helter-skelter in a bid to save themselves. People tried calling up the MC Commissioner, but he did not answer the calls following which the Police Control Room was informed. A PCR team reached the spot but expressed helplessness in the matter.

Later, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Garima Mittal was informed who asked the officials concerned to catch hold of the dog. An MC team later caught the dog, which died soon after.

Residents said the dog had been barking a lot for the past two days and there was a collar around its neck. The victims went to a dispensary in Sector 7, but Dr Rimjhim, who was supposed to be on duty, reached late at 10 am. By that time, the victims had already taken treatment.

Upinder Kaur, Mayor, said, “The dog had rabies and died after being caught. An MC team is on the job to ensure the safety of residents.”

Rakesh Aggarwal, president of the Residents Welfare Association, said, “It is a serious issue. If any other person has been bitten in Sector 7 in the past two days, he or she should immediately visit a hospital for the anti-rabies vaccination.”