Panic spread across villages near Chennimalai in Erode district after a leopard killed a dog tied up in a farm at Sillankattuvalasu on Monday. This marks the latest in a series of similar attacks in the region.
Residents of Sillankattuvalasu and nearby Veppili — located close to the southern forest zone — have been facing repeated leopard incursions. Over recent weeks, the big cat has been preying on goats, calves, and dogs tied up overnight in open farms. Just last week, a leopard mauled a dog in a plantation near Veppili.
In the latest attack, 70-year-old farmer Sellakkutti had left his dog and other animals tied in the field on Sunday night. On returning Monday morning, he discovered the half-eaten body of the dog and immediately informed the Forest Department.
Forest officials rushed to the site, confirmed leopard presence by identifying pug marks, and have already placed a cage in the area in hopes of capturing the animal.
With livestock losses mounting, residents are living in fear and have urged authorities to take swift and effective measures to prevent further wildlife attacks.