3, including 2 children, bitten by stray dogs in Abohar

Stray dogs have become a major cause for concern in Abohar as a large number of canines can be seen roaming the city.

On Sunday, three persons, including two children, were bitten by stray dogs.

A three-year-old girl was bitten badly by a stray dog near the Military Station here. Ashiana was taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment. She was playing outside her house when suddenly a dog attacked her. Hearing the cries, neighbours helped free her from the dog's clutches.

In another incident, Ashok Kumar, 30, and seven-year-old boy, Sohan, of Bazidpur Kattianwali village, were targeted by stray dogs and brought to the hospital here for treatment.

Dr Ritu Wadhwa, vaccination incharge, Civil Hospital, said in 2024, there were about 3,466 cases of dog bites, which was the highest in any year so far. As many as 280 cases were reported in January itself. On an average, 15 dog bite patients are brought to the hospital almost everyday.

Municipal Corporation sanitary inspectors Kartar Singh and Jaswinder Singh said 80 dogs had been vaccinated this month to prevent rabies.

People said packs of stray dogs roamed in colonies, besides main roads. They would chase vehicles, making it difficult to commute on roads.

Mayor Vimal Thatai said the MC had passed a resolution to build a shelter home for dogs. It was sent to the state government early last year, but approval and funds were awaited.

On sterilisation, he said the minimum cost required for the process was estimated at Rs 2,000 per dog. The fund-starved MC had to do with limited resources in the past three years allegedly due to political considerations.