Bhatkal: In just 70 hours, more than 15 people have reportedly been injured in stray dog attacks across various parts of Bhatkal, with a majority of the victims being children. Despite the alarming number of incidents, the local administration has yet to take concrete action, raising serious concerns among residents.

In one of the recent cases, a four-year-old boy, Ihab Ahmed, son of Imtiyaz Hussain Damudi, was attacked by stray dogs in Madina Colony. The child was returning home from tuition on Sunday afternoon when two stray dogs suddenly chased and attacked him as he tried to enter his house. One of the dogs bit him on the leg. He attempted to kick the dog away while his family members rushed out upon hearing his cries. Their timely intervention helped save the child, who was later taken to the government hospital for first aid and vaccination.

Sources at the Bhatkal Government Hospital confirmed that more than 15 individuals from various areas have sought treatment for dog bites in the past three days. Most cases involve children. The attacks have been reported from localities including Madina Colony, Jali, Talaand, Belni, Sarpankatta, Bundar Road, Hadin, Nooj, Kitre, and Honnegadde. A few cases involving adults have also been recorded.

Public outcry is growing on social media, where residents are voicing alarm over the rising number of stray dogs in neighborhoods such as Madina Colony, Jamia Abad Road, Umar Street, Nawayath Colony, Kargedde, and Makhdoom Colony. Locals say the dogs roam in aggressive packs and often attack pedestrians like wild animals. Many parents now fear letting their children walk to or from school alone, and say they remain on edge until their children return home safely.

Citizens are now urging the taluk administration, municipal authorities, and local social organizations to take immediate action to control the stray dog population. They are calling for the safe capture and relocation of these animals to forest areas, warning that failure to act may lead to more injuries or even fatalities in the coming days.