Udupi: A pack of stray dogs allegedly entered a goat shed at Katapady in the early hours of Saturday and mauled five goats, including two kids, to death, triggering renewed concern over the growing stray dog menace in the area. The incident has prompted residents to demand immediate action from the authorities to prevent similar attacks on livestock and ensure public safety.
The incident took place at Achchad in Katapady at the residence of retired teacher Vitthal Sherigar, where his son Prashanth is engaged in goat rearing.
Stray dogs enter goat shed
According to reports, the stray dogs entered the goat shed before dawn and attacked the animals.
The dogs allegedly killed five goats, including two young kids, before leaving the premises. By the time the family noticed the incident, the animals had already succumbed to their injuries.
The attack is estimated to have caused financial losses worth several thousand rupees to the family, affecting their livestock and livelihood.
Family suffers financial loss
The death of the goats has dealt a setback to the family, as goat rearing serves as an important source of supplementary income.
Residents said such attacks have become increasingly common in the locality, with stray dogs frequently targeting domestic animals, poultry and livestock.
They expressed concern that repeated incidents could discourage small-scale livestock farming if effective preventive measures are not implemented.
Residents highlight growing stray dog menace
Locals alleged that stray dogs have become a persistent problem in and around the Achchad Male Jumadi Daivasthana area.
According to residents, the increasing number of stray dogs has created fear among people living in the neighbourhood, particularly livestock owners who worry about the safety of their animals.
They also pointed out that stray dogs are frequently seen roaming in groups, making residents apprehensive about moving around the locality during the early morning and late evening hours.
Concern for children’s safety
Apart from attacks on livestock, residents said the growing stray dog population has heightened concerns about public safety.
Parents in the locality expressed anxiety over the safety of children travelling to and from school, fearing that aggressive stray dogs could pose a threat to them.
Residents said immediate intervention is necessary to prevent any incident involving schoolchildren or other members of the public.
Demand for urgent action
Following the latest incident, local residents have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective measures to control the stray dog population.
They have appealed for appropriate steps to prevent further attacks on livestock and ensure the safety of people living in the area.
Residents also called for long-term solutions to address the recurring stray dog menace, saying preventive action should be taken before a more serious tragedy occurs.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges posed by the growing stray dog population in several parts of Karnataka, where attacks on livestock and concerns over public safety have become recurring issues. Local residents hope the authorities will respond promptly to prevent similar incidents in the future.