Rourkela, July 2 (UDN): The growing stray dog population in Rourkela has emerged as a serious public safety and health concern, with over 2,600 dog bite cases reported at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) in the past 90 days. The alarming rise in attacks has intensified demands for immediate intervention by the authorities to curb the menace.

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According to official estimates, more than 5,000 stray dogs roam across the city, frequently occupying residential colonies, busy roads, marketplaces, educational institutions and hospital premises. Residents say the increasing presence of stray dogs has made daily commuting risky, particularly for schoolchildren, senior citizens, cyclists and two-wheeler riders, many of whom have reportedly been chased or attacked.

Hospital records indicate that an average of 20 to 30 dog bite victims seek treatment at RGH every day. In view of the steady influx of patients, the hospital administration has maintained an adequate stock of anti-rabies vaccines to ensure uninterrupted treatment.

Deputy Superintendent of Rourkela Government Hospital, Pandit Sahu, said around 2,600 dog bite victims have visited the hospital over the last three months and assured that sufficient anti-rabies vaccines are available to meet the growing demand.

Residents allege that the stray dog population has increased significantly in recent years, making several localities unsafe. They have urged the government to launch sustained sterilisation and vaccination drives while strengthening measures for scientific management of stray animals.

The issue has been compounded by the closure of the city’s dog sterilisation centre, which has remained non-operational for the past three years despite having infrastructure for sterilisation, vaccination, feeding and sheltering stray dogs. Civic activists believe the prolonged suspension of sterilisation activities has contributed to the unchecked growth of the stray dog population.

Expressing concern over the situation, local residents have appealed to the government to immediately resume sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination programmes to safeguard public health.

Responding to the growing concerns, Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) Commissioner Dheenah Dastageer said the civic body is conducting a survey to assess the stray dog population and related complaints. He said the municipal corporation would take necessary measures in accordance with the latest guidelines, including the establishment of rehabilitation facilities for stray dogs and implementation of scientific population management programmes.

With dog bite incidents continuing to rise, residents have called for urgent and coordinated action involving the municipal corporation, health department and animal welfare agencies to ensure public safety while adhering to animal welfare norms.