8 kids among 12 injured in rabid dog attack

RAIPUR: In a series of horrific dog bite incidents, a rabid stray dog bit around 12 people, including eight children in the Debrikhurd ward of Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC) last week prompting the BMC to start a vaccination drive and sterilisation operation for dogs.

A BMC spokesperson stated that a dog, suspected of being rabid, bit around 12 people, including eight children, on Sept 6 and 7. Among them, three children were severely injured. The dog tore the flesh from one child's face, and another required 15-20 stitches to the head due to the severity of the attack.

Despite the distressing nature of these dog bite cases, villagers opposed the BMC squad when they arrived to catch and sterilise the dogs. "Surprisingly, the locals opposed the BMC squad, claiming they used to feed the dogs, even though they are not pets. This isn't the first time we've faced such opposition," the BMC spokesperson said. BMC commissioner Amit Kumar told TOI, "Eight children were bitten by the dog. As soon as we received the information, we captured and euthanised the dog, which was said to be infected with rabies. Stray dogs are commonly found in Debrikhurd. We have caught 150 dogs from the area and initiated sterilisation. This process will continue."

Regarding the opposition, the commissioner mentioned that resistance is common when BMC teams carry out sterilisation drives. He confirmed that all children bitten by the dog are out of danger and are receiving treatment at various hospitals, with two children already discharged.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs were halted. However, from 2022 to July 2024, the municipal corporation sterilised and vaccinated 13,864 dogs.

BMC sources estimate over 8,000 stray dogs roaming the city. The number of daily dog bite cases within municipal limits is increasing, with 20 to 30 cases reported daily. Treatment is ongoing at CIMS and district hospitals.

In the past year, 119,928 people have been bitten by dogs in Chhattisgarh, with three fatalities. The Chhattisgarh Human Rights Commission has noted the rise in incidents and requested data from Raipur Municipal Corporation and all district urban bodies on stray dog sterilisation and vaccination within 15 days.

Of these 119,928 cases Raipur led with 15,953 cases, followed by Durg and other districts. The commission expressed concern over the physical and mental trauma caused by both stray and pet dog bites, urging stronger measures to control the dog population and raise public awareness.

Additionally, the report recorded the administration of 120,586 anti-rabies vaccinations and three deaths due to rabies in Rajnandgaon, Baloda Bazar, and Korba districts in the state.

The commission advised the state govt to address the issue through awareness campaigns, stricter control of stray dogs, and prohibiting the feeding of strays in public areas.