Surat : 10 Dog Bite Cases in One Day Spark Residents’ Fury

Surat: The glittering diamond city of Surat is facing a chilling reality – a reign of terror unleashed by stray dogs. Over 10 residents, from toddlers to seniors, were bitten by dogs across the city on Saturday, leaving them traumatized and queuing up at New Civil Hospital for anti-rabies shots.

The latest victim, 14-year-old Ganesh Kahar, was returning from a relative’s house with his mother when a pack of dogs attacked, tearing into both his feet. “We were terrified,” Ganesh’s mother recounted. “The sight of the blood, his screams…it was horrifying.”

This is not an isolated incident. New Civil Hospital has seen a surge in dog bite cases, with medical superintendent Dr. Ganesh Govalkar stating, “About 30 cases have been reported so far, including 10 new cases on Friday.” The hospital has even established a dedicated section for dog bite victims.

Residents are enraged by the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) perceived inaction. “They spend crores on sterilization and vaccination, but the menace continues,” said an angry resident. “My young son is too scared to play outside.”

The fear is palpable, with residents fearing venturing out during both day and night. “We’re prisoners in our own homes,” another resident lamented. “We can’t even walk the streets without fearing an attack.”

The SMC’s anti-dog drive seems ineffective, with an average of 25 dog bite cases reported daily. This raises serious questions about its implementation and effectiveness.

Frustration is boiling over, with residents demanding immediate action from the SMC. “They need to control the dog population and educate us on dealing with bites,” said a resident. “We can’t live like this anymore.”

The diamond might shine bright in Surat, but the city is shrouded in fear. The authorities need to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety of its residents before the terror of stray dogs eclipses the city’s sparkle.