With increasing number of stray dog population in Pangbang in Zhemgang District, the concern for residents has also doubled.
They said there has been sudden increase in the number of canine population. Due to this, risks of dog bites have escalated and there are also high chances of rabies outbreak if the issue is not looked into, at the earliest.
Locals voiced their concerns that stray dogs frequently attack people, most times, at night. In a recent incident, a pack of dogs attacked a three-year old boy.
“The dogs don’t let us sleep peacefully at night. Moreover it’s risky because we have small children,” said one of the residents, Tenzin Phuntsho.
Some local leaders suggested managing dog population might be a good idea to address the problem.
“I think it would be good if stray dogs are caught and then take them to dog pound,” said the Gup of Ngangla Gewog, Rinchen Wangdi.
Officials from the dzongkhag veterinary hospital said about 300 dogs in and around Panbang were sterilized and vaccinated recently.
They also carry out mass sterilization and awareness programmes annually to prevent rabies and other associated infections.
However, residents are expecting further more interventions from the relevant agencies for they just cannot wait for another child to fall victim to the menace.
