Over 30 people were attacked and bitten by a rabid pet dog on Monday afternoon, causing chaos and fear in the Akshay Park area on Gokula Road in Hubballi, Karnatak. Of those injured, over 16 suffered severe bite wounds and were admitted to KIMS Hospital for treatment, as reported by IANS. The victims included schoolchildren, factory workers, daily wage earners, elderly people, and other passersby.
The pet dog, which was later confirmed to have been abandoned by its owner after it turned rabid, still had its collar and chain when it was captured. The dog went on a rampage on the busy Gokula Road, biting people mostly on their legs and thighs. The intensity of the bites caused bleeding in many victims, leading to scenes of chaos at the hospital where the injured arrived in blood-soaked clothes.
One of the victims, Gangadhara Kapaladinni, shared his harrowing experience, saying, "I was parking my vehicle when people started shouting about a mad dog. Before I could react, it bit me on my thigh and legs." He added that the dog first attacked people playing volleyball and then targeted several passersby. "The dog was wearing a belt and chain, clearly indicating it was a pet. Its owners had abandoned it after it became rabid. I urge pet owners not to abandon their pets like this. The city corporation should also address this issue. The dog even attacked schoolchildren." he urged.
Another victim, Ravikumar, expressed frustration over the negligence of civic authorities, stating, "It has bitten over 80 people, from Gokula Road to Airport Road. The locals are living in fear, and the authorities must act immediately."
The civic authorities managed to capture the dog late Monday night and transported it in a department vehicle. The incident has sparked public outrage against the city corporation of Hubballi-Dharwad, with residents demanding stricter regulations for pet ownership and improved public safety measures.