A 55-year-old man has tragically lost his life after being attacked by a stray dog in Chandigarh, marking a grim escalation in the city's ongoing struggle with its stray animal population. The victim, identified as Manoj Kumar, a resident of Sector 32, succumbed to rabies at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Tuesday, following a bite he sustained over a month ago.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The incident traces back to the first week of February when Manoj Kumar was bitten by a stray dog near his home in Sector 32. Despite the initial injury, he did not seek immediate anti-rabies treatment. This delay proved fatal. As days turned into weeks, Kumar began exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with rabies infection. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading his family to rush him to PGIMER. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he could not be saved and passed away on March 5.
The case has been officially documented by the health authorities, with a death certificate confirming rabies as the cause. This formal recognition underscores the direct link between the stray dog bite and the tragic outcome, moving the issue beyond a mere animal nuisance to a critical public health emergency.
Residents Voice Fear and Frustration
The death has sent shockwaves through the community in Sector 32 and beyond, amplifying long-standing fears among residents. Locals report that packs of stray dogs are a common and intimidating sight in the area, particularly during early mornings and late evenings. Many citizens, especially the elderly and children, now feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhoods.
"This is not just an inconvenience; it's a matter of life and death," expressed a distressed neighbour, echoing the sentiment of many. The incident has sparked urgent calls for the municipal corporation to implement a more effective and humane strategy for managing the stray dog population. Residents demand a combination of sustained Animal Birth Control (ABC) drives, systematic vaccination programs to prevent rabies, and clearer protocols for post-bite medical intervention.
A Systemic Challenge Demanding Action
Manoj Kumar's death is a stark indicator of a larger, systemic failure. While Chandigarh is known for its planned architecture and cleanliness, the growing number of strays poses a significant threat to this reputation and, more importantly, to citizen safety. The tragedy highlights a critical gap in proactive public health measures and animal control.
Experts stress that preventing such fatalities requires a multi-pronged approach. Immediate and compulsory anti-rabies treatment following any dog bite is non-negotiable. Simultaneously, civic bodies must intensify and consistently execute ABC programs to control the population at its source. Public awareness campaigns are equally crucial to educate citizens on the steps to take after a bite and the importance of community reporting.
The loss of Manoj Kumar is a sombre reminder that the stray dog menace in Chandigarh has grave consequences. It is a urgent call to action for authorities to move beyond ad-hoc solutions and establish a comprehensive, compassionate, and effective policy to safeguard both human and animal welfare in the city.
