Stray Dog Attack in Bailhongal Leaves Eight Injured, Mostly Children
In a distressing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a stray dog attacked eight individuals, including seven children and an elderly person, in Bailhongal town, Belagavi, on Tuesday evening. The attack has highlighted the growing menace of stray dogs in the area and raised serious safety concerns among residents.
Details of the Attack and Victims
The most severely injured victim is Supriya Patil, aged 8, a resident of the Bailhongal MG housing colony. According to police sources, Supriya was attacked by a dog as she returned home from a grocery store. She sustained serious injuries and was initially treated at a government hospital before being admitted to a private hospital in Belagavi for further medical care.
Other victims of the attack include:
- Kallayya Rudragouda Patil, 86
- Sona Deepak Kavale, 5
- Sannidhi Huchannavar, 10
- Prajwal Shankarappa Bashetti, 15
- Vaishnavi Anil Bhajantri, 5
- Sangayya Madivalayya Pujar, 8
Locals reported that the stray dog targeted people in multiple areas, including Indiranagar, RTO Road, and KC Nagar. The fact that most of the injured are children has made it particularly difficult for young ones to venture outside, causing widespread fear among parents and guardians.
Municipal Response and Safety Measures
In response to the incident, the Bailhongal municipal office sprang into action on Tuesday night. Municipal staff conducted an extensive search to locate the rabid dog responsible for the attacks. Municipal health inspector SN Patil stated that the authorities are actively engaged in catching rabid dogs to prevent further incidents.
The city council has assured assistance with medical treatment for the victims after visiting the hospitals. In a precautionary move, health inspector SN Patil appealed to parents not to send their children out alone for the next two days, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in light of the recent attacks.
Community Concerns and Broader Implications
This tragic event has underscored the urgent need for effective stray dog management in Bailhongal and surrounding areas. The attack on multiple individuals, predominantly children, has sparked discussions about public safety and the responsibilities of municipal authorities in controlling the stray dog population.
Residents are now calling for more robust measures to address the stray dog menace, including vaccination drives, sterilization programs, and increased patrolling in vulnerable areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unchecked stray animals in urban and semi-urban settings.
As the victims recover, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift action from local authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur. The municipal health department's ongoing efforts to catch rabid dogs are being closely monitored by concerned citizens and families affected by the attack.
