Bangalore : While the Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP) has been ‘toothless’ in fighting the canine menace in the city, stray dogs have proved that they have the last laugh as nearly 20 people were reportedly bitten by strays in the outskirts of the city.

On Tuesday, the normal life of residents of Bagalagunte village, which falls under the Dasarahalli zone, was disturbed as reportedly dogs attacked several people including children and a few elderly people. The injured were taken to a private hospital nearby and residents complained that despite their repeated requests to authorities to tackle the dog menace, no action was taken; resulting in the disaster on Tuesday. The menace by dogs continued on Wednesday with more victims reporting attacks.  

But, BBMP joint director (Animal Husbandry) Dr Parviz Ahmed Piran dismissed these reports. “Only two people were injured. On Tuesday evening, around 5 pm, 12-year-old Avinash was bitten by a dog and 55-year-old Shivaramiah was attacked on Wednesday morning. They were both taken to Primary Health Care Centre in Mallasandra where their injuries were treated and sent home,” he said. Instructions have been given to the PHC to provide free anti-rabies vaccinations to the two injured for the duration of the course, he added.

On questioned about the future security of the people, he said that nearly 20 dogs were rounded up by the BBMP authorities on Wednesday and the dogs were subjected to sterilisation and administered with anti-rabies vaccination.