Stray Dog Attacks Injure at Least 50 in Bogura's Sherpur in Two Days, Residents Alarmed

Panic has spread in Sherpur upazila of Bogura after a surge in attacks by stray dogs. At least 50 people bitten by dogs received treatment at the Upazila Health Complex from Thursday morning to Friday evening.

More than a hundred others received treatment at various private clinics and hospitals in Bogura. Among the injured are women, men and children.

Local residents say attacks by stray dogs have increased over the past two to three days. Several of the dogs have sores and wounds on their bodies, and their behaviour is abnormal. They charge at pedestrians on sight and bite them.

On Friday, residents of Uttar Sahapara, Dakshin Sahapara, Sanyalpara, Ramchandrapur and Karmakarpara in Sherpur municipality, as well as Dublagari and Mahipur areas of the upazila, spoke of their concern over the dog attacks. Attacks have also been reported in the Kella and Hapuniya areas.

Sherpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Amirul Islam said he personally treated at least 50 people bitten by dogs at the Upazila Health Complex from Thursday morning to Friday evening. All of them are out of danger.

At least 10 of the injured are from Tarash upazila in neighbouring Sirajganj.

With dog attacks on the rise, Amirul Islam posted a public awareness message on his own Facebook account, urging residents of the area to stay alert.

Sherpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saiduzzaman Himu said he will contact the Upazila Livestock Officer to arrange treatment for the sick stray dogs, and that necessary steps will be taken quickly.

Residents say that apart from seeking treatment, they are now afraid to go out on the roads. Concern is greatest for children and the elderly.

Health officials say it is important to seek treatment quickly after a dog bite. All the injured have received the necessary treatment and their condition is stable.