Kochi: Opposition councillors staged a sit-in in front of the Angamaly municipal office on Saturday protesting the recent stray dog attacks and what they termed the municipality’s inaction in addressing the issue.
A few weeks ago, a rabid dog had attacked 19 people in the area, triggering fear among locals. The opposition said more than 1,000 stray dogs were roaming in various parts of the municipality and demanded that the dogs be housed in a dedicated shelter instead of being vaccinated and released. As part of the measures, dogs were caught at the market on one day, vaccinated and released.
It also said locals, particularly children travelling to schools and tuition classes in the evenings, are living in fear. Following the incident, the municipal council had convened an emergency meeting and unanimously decided to take strong measures to address the menace. However, the drive was not continued, the opposition alleged. Following discussions between CPM local secretary Saji Varghese, opposition councillors and the municipal secretary, the protest was called off after the councillors received assurances from the secretary. Opposition leader T Y Elias warned that stronger protests would be organised if the issue is not resolved.