Muzaffarpur: The terror of stray dogs has gripped Muzaffarpur in Bihar, with nearly 1,879 people receiving anti-rabies vaccinations at the Sadar Hospital in the month of August alone after being bitten. This figure only accounts for those who sought treatment at the government hospital; many others have reportedly been treated at private medical facilities.
From the main roads and markets to the residential streets, the presence of stray dogs has become a growing threat, causing fear among residents day and night. Following multiple complaints, the Municipal Corporation has begun efforts to capture stray dogs using dog catcher vehicles. So far, 50 to 60 stray dogs have been caught in urban areas. However, only one dog catcher vehicle is available, which has raised concerns about the corporation’s ability to control the situation.
Nirmala Devi, a resident of Sikandarpur, recounted a harrowing incident involving her daughter. “She was returning from school when a stray dog bit her leg, leaving it bleeding. We are facing a lot of trouble because of these dogs,” she said while at the hospital to get her daughter vaccinated.
Many residents have echoed similar concerns, questioning the Municipal Corporation’s preparedness and response to the growing menace. Fear of stray dogs has become a daily reality for many in the city.
In response to the escalating crisis, Deputy Mayor Monalisa has deployed three additional dog catcher vehicles to address the issue. Stray dogs are being caught and relocated to forested areas outside the city. However, efforts to control the population of stray dogs have hit a roadblock, as the corporation has yet to pass the bill for the sterilization of dogs. If passed, this measure could help manage the stray dog population more effectively.
Superintendent of Sadar Hospital, B.S. Jha, assured the public that the hospital has an adequate supply of anti-rabies vaccines. “We provide the vaccine from 9 AM to 6 PM daily to those bitten by dogs. In August alone, about 1,800 people were vaccinated, which is a significant number,” Jha said.
As the city grapples with this growing problem, residents are hopeful that the Municipal Corporation’s efforts will intensify and a more sustainable solution to the stray dog menace will be implemented.
