KOZHIKODE: As many as 2, 520 persons were attacked by stray dogs in the district till April end this year. This is as per the figures of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) cell at the collectorate. However, the corporation has remained apathetic to the danger facing the people. A total of 28,271 persons were treated for dog bites between January 2016 and April 2017, the data shows. In 2015, 8,738 persons suffered bites. This year the highest number of attacks happened in March (687).
Despite the hue and cry raised by residents’ associations and victims, the municipal council is yet to implement the ABC programme citing various reasons. The ward councillors say that the higher-ups in the corporation seldom respond to their complaints. Shameena Thekkeputhukkudi, councillor of Kuthiravattam ward, told DC that she had forwarded the details of the victims to the corporation. “There was no follow- up by the corporation,” she added. However, the mayor has been reiterating that the ABC project would be implemented soon. The clinical facility at Poolakkadavu is yet to be completed. However, sources said that even if the facility is constructed, the dearth of trained dog catchers will continue to haunt the civic body.
