Two women sustained serious injuries after being mauled by a stray dog at Kolathara’s Arakkalpadam area on Sunday morning, sparking fresh concerns about the growing stray dog menace in the locality.
The victims, Snehalatha (67) of Kakkachiparambil and Sudha (53) of Edodi Parambil — both residents near the Arakkalpadam bus stop — were rushed to the Medical College Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
The attack occurred around 11:30 AM when Snehalatha was returning home after getting off a bus. As she walked along the road, a stray dog suddenly attacked, biting her on the hand and face, causing her to collapse on the spot. Hearing her screams, neighbour Sudha ran to her aid but was also bitten — sustaining injuries to her hand and leg.
Eyewitnesses reported that the dog continued to behave aggressively, lunging and barking at passersby, causing panic in the area. It reportedly died a short while later under unclear circumstances.
Residents of Arakkalpadam and the nearby Kannatikulam area have voiced growing concern, stating that attacks by stray dogs have become alarmingly frequent in recent weeks. They are urging authorities to take swift and sustained action to curb the rising threat to public safety.