Panic gripped Kattoor Mani Nagar in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, on Thursday evening after a rabid stray dog bit nine people, including pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. The victims, mostly sustaining injuries to their legs and hands, were rushed to Mettupalayam Government Hospital and administered anti-rabies vaccines.
A veterinarian later confirmed that the dog was infected with rabies, prompting immediate warnings for local residents to remain cautious.
Responding to the situation, Mettupalayam Municipality dispatched a vehicle Friday morning and successfully captured the dog, which was then transferred to a rescue centre.
Local social activist P Sukumaran criticised the municipal administration for failing to implement regular Anti-Birth Control (ABC) programs to curb the stray dog population. He added, “The municipality acts only after complaints are raised. There should be a budget allocation and proactive steps.”
Municipal Commissioner R Amudha stated that ABC procedures are being done periodically via a private team, as the municipality lacks its own ABC facility. Currently, stray dogs are sent to Coonoor veterinary centres for sterilisation. A proposal worth ₹25 lakh has been sent to the government to establish a dedicated ABC centre in Mettupalayam.
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