Thrissur: The stray dog that fatally attacked an elderly bedridden woman inside her house at Erumapetty was later captured and beaten to death by local residents. The dog was caught during a search operation conducted by locals and police on Thursday night.
The shocking incident occurred around 6 pm on Thursday at Vellarakkad Kollanpadi in Erumapetty. The victim, Karthyayani (84) of Kizhakkepurakkal house, had been bedridden for two years after suffering a fracture from a fall. A stray dog reportedly entered the house and brutally attacked her while she was lying on her bed.
The dog bit her repeatedly on the face and body, leaving her with severe injuries and a disfigured face. Her 60-year-old son Devadas, who is undergoing treatment for mental health issues, was also attacked by the dog and sustained serious injuries.
The incident came to light around 6.30 pm when another son, Mani, arrived at the house to give them food. He found both victims injured and alerted neighbours. Locals, police and ambulance personnel rushed them to Thrissur Medical College Hospital, but Karthyayani succumbed to her injuries.
Residents said the dog that attacked Karthyayani had also bitten several pet dogs in nearby houses. However, rabies infection has not yet been confirmed in the animals that were bitten. Their owners have placed them under observation as a precaution.
Neighbour Shantha said that although stray dogs have been roaming the residential area for a long time, this was the first such violent attack reported. Her own pet dog was also bitten by the stray.
Local resident Radhika pointed out that the number of stray dogs in the area has increased significantly because animal skin waste from nearby households engaged in making traditional drums (Chenda) attracts the animals.
Meanwhile, A. C. Moideen, MLA from Kunnamkulam and former minister, said the government can mainly address the stray dog issue through sterilisation programmes. He also assured that government assistance would be provided to the family of the deceased woman.
