While the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in the district continues to be at a standstill, the recent increase in cases of rabid dogs attacking humans and cattle has rung alarm bells for civic and health authorities. As per reports, several rabid dog attacks have been reported from various parts of Kollam during the last couple of months raising concerns about the stray dog population and the potential spread of rabies. In a recent incident, a dog that bit two employees at the Kollam collectorate had died while officials attempted to capture it. Later, health officials confirmed that the dog was rabid. “Earlier, only around ten suspected dogs were brought to the District Veterinary Centre a month, but currently they are bringing bodies of dogs every day. In the past, positive cases were very rare, but now every other cases is positive. The situation is very serious as there is an alarming rise in cases,” said D. Shine Kumar, chief veterinary officer, District Veterinary Centre.

In another incident at Mynagapally a cow was certified rabid by veterinary surgeons after its death following a stray dog attack. “The cow died after a week and during this period its milk was sold and also given at a temple. Nearly hundred persons had to be vaccinated after the incident,” he said. In light of the reported increase in stray dog attacks, the district administration had issued instructions to the departments concerned to expedite control measures. In the Kollam Corporation area vaccination of dogs has been started and directions have been given to set up at least five cages in the hotspots where stray dog menace is high, including Neduvathur, Kalluvathukkal, and Thevalakkara. It has also been decided to temporarily provide cages from the Animal Husbandry department to various affected panchayats.

The Health department too had issued guidelines urging the public to seek immediate medical help in dog bite cases. “Apart from dog bite cases, these strays cause hundreds of accidents every month. Many residents’ associations in the city have complained about the sudden increase in the number of strays and dogs entering their compound jumping over walls and gates. Instead of quick-fixes we should address the real issue, which is uncontrolled breeding and lack of shelter. At present the only ABC centre functioning in the district is at Anchalumoodu. We need centres at all taluks and the programme should continue without any break if we want to control the menace,” said a senior official.