Lunawada: Increasing menace of stray dogs and no action by the Government regarding this national phenomena is creating alarming situation. A child who was attacked and severely injured 20 days ago in Lunawada has succumbed to his injuries, raising serious concerns about public safety and the need for immediate action to control the stray dog population.

The victim, Piyush Machhar, son of Harishbhai Machhar, from Ghoghavada village, was bitten by a dog and immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Despite 20 days of intensive medical care, Piyush tragically passed away, leaving his family and the community in deep sorrow and anger.

Six individuals, including four children, were attacked by dogs in a single day in Simlana Zher and Vavkuva villages. Among the injured are Mahendrabhai Tabhiyar, Piyush Machhar (the deceased), and Sharmishtaben Parvatbhai Tabhiyar, all of Ghoghavada.

Following the surge in attacks, victims were initially taken to Lunawada Government Hospital. However, due to a shortage of rabies vaccines, they were transferred to Godhra Civil Hospital. After receiving initial treatment, they were further referred to Ahmedabad based Government Hospital for advanced care. Tragically, despite the efforts, Piyush Machhar lost his life after 20 days of treatment.

The recent surge in dog bites has created a climate of fear, particularly among women working in fields and children attending schools. A woman working as a farm laborer suffered serious injuries in one of the attacks. Students, including Hetal Ramabhai Damor, a 5th-grade student at Vavkuva Primary School, and Shilpa from Aamblighati, have also been victimized.

The community is demanding immediate action from local authorities to address the growing menace of stray dogs and ensure the safety of residents. The lack of readily available rabies vaccines in local hospitals has also raised serious concerns about preparedness and the need for better healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. In fact locals are also saying that there could be nexus between the policy makers and anti rabies injection makers and that could be the reason behind no action by government even after scores of incidents of menace of stray dogs coming to light everyday.

Meanwhile, dog bite incidents are increasing on Lathi Road and in the Brahmin Society area of Amreli, with over 15 people attacked within 24 hours, causing panic among residents. Children seem to be the primary targets, as stray dogs suddenly lunge at pedestrians. Several cases have been reported at Amreli Hospital, and one dog is suspected to be rabid, further heightening concerns about public safety. DeshGujarat