Stray dog injures 36 in 12-km rampage near Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: A stray dog triggered panic across Nagarkurnool and Rangareddy districts on Sunday evening after it attacked 36 people, including three children, during a 12-km run along the Hyderabad–Srisailam highway.
Dog attacks residents across Nagarkurnool and Rangareddy stretch
The first bite was reported around 4pm in Nagarkurnool. The dog then moved towards neighbouring Rangareddy district, attacking pedestrians, evening walkers and residents returning home. Of the 36 injured, 33 were adults.
The attacks continued until locals at Karkalpahad overpowered the animal and beat it to death.
Officials suspect rabies; samples sent for laboratory confirmation
Officials said the dog’s behaviour strongly suggested rabies. “A stray dog does not attack so many people without provocation. Such behaviour is usually seen only in rabid dogs,” said Vijay Kumar, veterinary assistant surgeon at Amangal mandal.
“We have sent the dog’s brain sample to the Veterinary Biological and Research Institute. The test will confirm whether it was rabid,” he added. Nearly 90% of the injuries were on the legs and were mostly abrasions rather than deep wounds.
All victims were taken to Fever Hospital in Hyderabad and the Kalwakurthy community health centre. “We administered anti-rabies vaccines to patients as a precaution. All are stable,” said A Nagaraj, medical officer at Amangal CHC.
