Dog menace grips Bolangir’s Tushura; 8 people attacked in 24 hours, villagers take harsh measures

Panic has gripped residents of Tushura in Bolangir district after a surge in stray dog attacks. In just 24 hours, eight people were bitten — five from Nuapada village, two from Tushura, and one from Kapsila. The situation has become so severe that locals are now afraid to step out of their homes. Reports reveal that at least 20 dog-bite cases were recorded in the region last month

Lack Of Administrative Action

Locals allege that neither the administration nor the Tushura NAC has taken any measures to control the rising number of dog attacks despite repeated incidents. The absence of timely intervention has forced residents to adopt desperate measures for self-defence, including retaliatory assaults on stray dogs.

Vaccine Shortage Adds To Crisis

The crisis is compounded by the alleged non-availability of anti-rabies vaccines at the Tushura hospital. As a result, bite victims are compelled to travel either to Gudbhela or to Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital in Bolangir for treatment. This situation has further fuelled resentment among the affected villagers.

Allegations Of Cruelty Against Dogs

Visuals have surfaced, reportedly showing villagers beating stray dogs, tying them with ropes, and even dragging them behind vehicles. 

Such acts, carried out despite the Supreme Court’s directive to treat stray dogs humanely through vaccination and sterilisation, highlight the frustration among residents. People claim these extreme steps are being taken in the absence of administrative measures to protect them from attacks.

The locals also alleged that the administration still failed to act despite the recent death of two individuals due to a dog bite. Out of the two, one was a national-level para-athlete, and 48-year-old Hrushikesh Rana.

No comments could be obtained from senior officials in connection with the matter.