'KTR uncle, please save us from street dogs': Kompally kids, residents protest
The residents of NLC Colony in the 12th ward of Kompally municipality in Medchal Malkajgiri protested on Sunday demanding action against the stray dog menace in the area.
By Nimisha S Pradeep Published on 6 March 2022 11:58 AM GMT
Hyderabad: The residents of NLC Colony in the 12th ward of Kompally municipality in Medchal Malkajgiri protested on Sunday demanding action against the stray dog menace in the area. Local children were seen holding placards and chanting slogans demanding a solution to the problem.
"KTR uncle, MLA uncle, commissioner uncle, please save us from street dogs," read many of the placards.
The children were also accompanied by their parents. The parents said there have been many incidents where children have been bitten by stray dogs and that they have lodged several complaints. But there has been no solution and now the residents are demanding a permanent solution to the problem.
On 28 March 2021, 10-year-old Praneeth Reddy was cycling back to his home when suddenly a pack of 10-15 dogs came in front of him. Little Praneeth was terrified but tried to slowly go alongside the road. But the dogs kept coming closer. Suddenly, the cycle skidded and he fell on the ground hitting his face. A stone pierced his nose, injuring him badly.
Praneeth's parents took him for plastic surgery but considering his age, the doctor ruled out that option and carried out a minor surgery instead. "We had complained to the municipal commissioner after the incident. They came, checked the place, caught one or two dogs, and left," says Rama Krishna Reddy, Praneeth's father.
Praneeth's family has been living here for the last two years. "There are always at least 10-15 stray dogs in this area. The number of dogs has increased in the last few months," adds Rama Krishna.
He wants a permanent solution to the stray dog menace. "I cycle and go to play shuttle every morning. Before choosing a route, I ensure that there are no dogs along that way. Since I am a resident of this area, I can plan and take the route accordingly but what about a new person visiting this area?" asked Rama Krishna.
Joshika, a class X student, says, "When I go to school and for tuitions every day, I also go with the same fear. These dogs come in a group and attack people."
Joshika also says that not just children but it's also a problem for the elderly people residing in the colony who go for morning and evening walks.
"This problem has been there for the last 1.5 years and there have been around 82 dog bite cases in this area. Notably, in the last seven days, there have been 10 cases in which eight were children above 10 years of age," explains Shivaji Raju, a local BJP leader in Kompally.
"We have given several representations to the authorities. The next morning, they come and catch two-three dogs and the same night they leave these dogs in the same place," says Shivaji.
