Kottayam: Several people, including former Kottayam municipal chairperson P G Varghese, were injured in a stray dog attack, which spread panic in and around the Kottayam KSRTC bus stand on Wednesday afternoon.

People at the KSRTC bus stand, Market Junction, and near the General Hospital were injured in the canine attack, which began around 1 pm and lasted for about an hour. Earlier, at 11 am, two people were bitten by a stray at Kodimatha. It's not confirmed whether the same dog was involved in both incidents.

The dog reached the KSRTC bus stand along the adjacent footpath and became aggressive. Pedestrians ran helter-skelter on seeing the dog, with many seeking refuge in nearby shops. Employees of local businesses soon managed to frighten the dog away from their area. The dog later entered the bus stand, creating panic among passengers.

The stray dogs residing on the bus stand premises also became aggressive after observing the new dog. Several passengers ran into empty buses parked at the stand to escape the attack. Most of the dogs at the bus stand suffer from various ailments or injuries. The animals, attracted by the availability of food at the stand, often create a ruckus by fighting among themselves.

When the newly arrived dog attacked a large number of people, local residents and social workers began a search. Employees of the municipality’s ABC (Animal Birth Control) centre joined the effort, and the aggressive dog was captured near the KSEB office at Kodimatha.

However, the dog died by evening, raising suspicions that it may have had rabies. Authorities said crucial tests would be carried out on Thursday to confirm whether the deceased dog had the disease.

“We believe that a single aggressive dog attacked other dogs and people. Further steps will be taken after receiving the test results on the dead dog,” said District Animal Welfare Officer P K Manoj Kumar.

Those who suffered bites from the stray dog, along with former municipal chairperson P J Varghese, include retired fire officer B Varghese (67), of Valayinchiyil, Kanakkary; Sajan K Jacob (55), of Kaniyampara in Pathanad; Shamnas (40), of Thazhathvaykayil, Kumaranelloor; P P Ramachandran Nair of Midhila, Thellakom; and Midhun Babu (35), of Eruva in Kayamkulam.

Sibi Jose (47), of Thekkepparabmil, Panachikkad, also received the vaccine even though he was not bitten, as the dog had brushed against his body near the General Hospital. “I took the precautionary dose because the dog’s saliva had fallen on my clothes,” he said.

Ambily and Badarunneesa capture the dog
The aggressive dog that caused panic in the town centre was finally captured by Ambily Jayan, a dog handler at the municipality’s ABC centre, and nursing assistant Badarunneesa.

The ABC centre received information about the widespread attacks around 1 pm on Wednesday. As the dog catcher was not present, livestock inspector Lijo John, Ambily, and Badarunneesa set out in search of the dog. They later learned that the dog was standing opposite the KSEB sub-station at Kodimatha and rushed to the location. By 2.20 pm, Ambily and Badarunneesa captured the dog with a net near an area covered with vegetation resembling a forest.

Although the dog attempted to escape, Ambily and Badarunneesa brought it under control and transported it to the ABC centre with the help of two municipal employees.

Ambily and Badarunneesa have received specialised training from the Animal Husbandry Department in handling dogs. Their duties include looking after dogs brought to the ABC centre for sterilisation. Dogs spend four days at the centre after the procedure, during which Ambily and Badarunneesa take care of them. Both have been employed at the centre for nine years.

Immediate action sought
Former municipal chairperson and CPM leader P J Varghese, one of the victims, alleged that the entire town is affected by stray dogs. “People would be able to walk the streets safely only if the municipality implements urgent measures to control the street dogs. The local body has failed in this regard. I will file a private petition in court over the issue,” he said.

Retired fire officer B Varghese, who was also bitten, said he was attacked from behind while walking after getting down from a bus at Chanthakkavala. “The dog bit my leg from behind and did not let go. I struck it with my carry bag, but it continued biting. My trousers were torn. Finally, some passersby hit the dog, and it ran away. I received two deep bites on my leg,” he said.

‘Will take action’
Reacting to the incident, Kottayam municipal chairperson Bincy Sebastian said that action would be taken along with the Animal Husbandry Department. “The ABC centre has only two cages for aggressive street dogs. We are in discussions with the Animal Husbandry Department to address the issue,” she said.