SIO Bhatkal submits memorandum to Tahsildar, seeks immediate action against stray dog menace

Bhatkal, July 10: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Bhatkal Unit, has submitted a memorandum to Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendra Shetty, raising strong concern over the growing number of stray dog attacks in the town and urging immediate intervention from the administration.

In the memorandum, the organisation highlighted that more than 15 people, including children and elderly citizens, have been injured in the past few days in different parts of the town. Many incidents reportedly occurred in residential colonies and busy market areas, leading to widespread panic among residents. The victims, some of whom were school-going children, are undergoing treatment and have been administered anti-rabies vaccines.

SIO noted that the rising incidents have created fear among locals, with many families now hesitant to allow their children to move freely outdoors. The organisation alleged that despite repeated complaints, no concrete steps have been taken by the authorities so far to address the situation.

The memorandum urged the administration to begin a town-wide sterilisation and vaccination campaign in coordination with the Animal Husbandry Department. It called for immediate identification and relocation or treatment of aggressive dogs, especially those that are repeatedly attacking people.

The student group also requested the government to establish a clear mechanism for citizens to report stray dog threats, including the setup of helpline numbers and local-level contact points to enable quicker response. It further urged for the involvement of panchayats and municipal bodies in monitoring the situation and extending support for control measures.

The memorandum demanded that public health centres be adequately stocked with anti-rabies vaccines and necessary first-aid provisions to treat bite victims without delay. SIO stressed that the issue should be treated as an urgent public safety concern and that officials must act before the situation worsens further.