VISAKHAPATNAM: A pack of stray dogs attacked a five-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man who tried to rescue him. The incident took place in Porlupalem village near Vepagunta under Pendurthi police station limits here on Sunday.
Local reports said five-year-old Ritwhik was playing in front of his house. The boy suffered injuries on his head and back. The 45-year-old man Nagaraju went to rescue the boy but he was also attacked by the dogs. Both were admitted into Gopalapatnam PHC.
After the incident, locals said Vepagunta was developing fast, having good connectivity to the main road, market, schools, temples, hospital and bus stop. GVMC should make this area free from stray dogs, they said.
Animal activist Pradeep Nath said, “GVMC responds only to public complaints. There are fewer dog-catching staff and they are not skilled. Veterinary hospitals too don’t have sufficient staff. There are no proper animal birth control operations for dogs.”
“Whenever a government programme or VIP visit takes place, GVMC staff would catch all dogs but leave them in different places. Dogs are territorial animals. If GVMS functions like this, restive dogs will attack people,” Nath said.
“To control dog breeding, Ovariohysterectomy or a spray surgery must be done. Locals and animal activists are saying GVMC was not focusing on this,” he said.
