Angamaly municipality to provide relief for stray dog bite victims

Kochi: Angamaly municipality decided to provide financial assistance to victims injured in the stray dog attack reported across the town on Saturday. The decision was made following an emergency council meeting held at the municipality at 2pm on Monday.

Municipality chairperson Reetha Paul said the local body would provide Rs 5,000 each as temporary relief to those injured. The municipality said 18 people claimed to have been bitten by the rabid dog, revising the earlier figure of 13 victims.

The meeting discussed measures to support the injured and steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. According to the chairperson, the compensation amount will be disbursed from the chairperson’s disaster relief fund as the municipality does not have a dedicated compensation fund for such emergencies.

“The disaster relief fund consists of donations received from various individuals, including municipality staff, and the amount will be utilised to support the victims,” Paul said.

The council also decided to strengthen awareness among those injured about the importance of completing the anti-rabies vaccination schedule. Officials said all victims must take four doses of the vaccine to prevent complications.

To ensure timely vaccination and proper medical guidance, awareness sessions led by the medical superintendent will be organised at taluk hospital in Angamaly on Tuesday. Municipality authorities said the sessions would focus on vaccination schedules, follow-up care and precautions after dog bites.

Meanwhile, the council also resolved to bring in an expert dog-catching team in coordination with animal husbandry department. Municipality officials said the team is expected to arrive within a week to begin dog-catching and vaccination measures in the town.

The stray dog attacked people at several locations in Angamaly, including the East Church area, Basilica Junction, Jospuram-Paliyekkara, Nazareth Nagar and the railway station premises, triggering widespread concern among residents.