A morning of terror unfolded in Pune district's Chakan area on Sunday when a suspected rabid stray dog went on a biting spree, attacking at least 33 people and sending shockwaves through the community. The aggressive animal targeted pedestrians across multiple locations before dying hours later, renewing urgent concerns about stray dog management in the rapidly growing industrial town.
Panic on the Streets: A Two-Hour Attack Spree
The sudden attacks occurred between 9 am and 11 am, striking fear into the heart of the bustling market town. The dog, showing signs of aggression consistent with rabies, bit people without any provocation as they walked on the streets. The victims included four children, seven women, and 22 men, with several senior citizens among the injured. The incident triggered immediate panic, forcing local shopkeepers to shutter their businesses and rush indoors for safety.
"The dog appeared aggressive and uncontrollable. It bit whoever came in its way," recounted a shaken local resident, capturing the chaos of the morning. The attacks were concentrated around key public areas like Ambedkar Chowk, Mahatma Phule Chowk, and the Market Yard area.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
All 33 injured individuals were swiftly rushed to the Chakan Rural Hospital for emergency care. Medical officer Dr. Sachin Kambale confirmed that every victim received preventive anti-rabies vaccination without delay. "The dog showed symptoms consistent with rabies. Preventive vaccination was given without delay," Dr. Kambale stated, noting that all victims were in stable condition.
However, the severity of some attacks necessitated further medical attention. Hospital doctors reported that several victims sustained deep bite wounds and were referred to larger healthcare facilities in Pimpri Chinchwad for advanced treatment. The dog reportedly died a few hours after the attacks, and veterinary officials have sent samples for laboratory examination to conclusively confirm rabies.
Renewed Calls for Action on Stray Dog Menace
The shocking incident has amplified long-standing worries about public safety and the management of stray animals in Chakan. Activist Mayur Mungse highlighted the dual nature of the town, stating, "Chakan is not only an industrial town but is traditionally known as a bazaar town... Local authorities need to ensure everyone's safety, including that of visitors." He pointed out the visible danger of multiple stray dog packs in every neighbourhood, warning that such attacks can turn fatal.
Echoing these concerns, lawyer Mahesh Bhiware criticized the lack of a clear mechanism for help during such crises. "One can see packs of stray dogs everywhere... In cases like the one on Sunday, nobody knows whom to approach for help. The municipal council needs to take necessary measures on the ground," he asserted.
In response to the crisis, the Chakan Municipal Council has launched a drive to identify and monitor stray dogs in the area. Officials have urgently appealed to residents to:
- Report aggressive animals immediately.
- Stay away from stray dogs.
- Seek prompt medical attention if bitten.
The event underscores a critical challenge for urbanizing towns across India, where balancing rapid growth with effective civic measures for public safety remains a pressing issue. The community now waits for the lab results and more concrete actions from local authorities to prevent a recurrence of such a traumatic event.
