22 more bitten by stray dogs in Kannur, protest erupts at Corporation council meet

LDF councillors stage a protest in Kannur on Wednesday against attack on road-users by stray dogs in the past two days. | Photo Credit: S.K. MOHAN

Twenty-two more people were bitten by stray dogs in the city on Wednesday, even as tension erupted in the Corporation council meeting over the civic body’s failure to address the issue. On Tuesday, 51 people were bitten, triggering widespread fear and public outcry.

The latest attacks were on pedestrians in areas such as the railway station road, Plaza, and SBI Junction. Attacks were also reported from Anjarakandy and Keezhattoor. Among the injured were elderly people, students, and a differently abled youth. One stray dog was found dead on Tuesday, and another on Wednesday.

Chaos at meeting

Amid public anger, the Corporation council meeting convened on Wednesday descended into chaos. The meeting, which began with Mayor Muslih Madathil expressing condolences for victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, was soon disrupted by Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillors who staged a protest, shouting slogans and holding placards.

Councillor Dhanesh Mohan grabbed the Mayor’s microphone, alleging that Opposition members were being denied a chance to speak. The Mayor hastily wrapped up the session, clearing 74 agenda items within a few minutes. LDF workers gathered outside the hall and the police blocked their attempts to storm the premises.

‘Funds not allocated’

Protests later spilled on to the streets with CPI(M) councillors N. Sukanya, T. Raveendran, the party’s area secretary K.P. Sudhakaran and other leaders leading a march. Ms. Sukanya criticised the civic body’s ‘inaction’ stating that funds had not been allocated for controlling the stray dog population. “Is this how the administration protects lives on our roads,” she asked.

The Mayor later announced that a special council meeting would be convened on Thursday to address the crisis. At a press conference, he alleged that Opposition members were politicising the issue in view of the upcoming local body elections. He said six dogs had been caught over the past two days, and more would be captured in the coming days.

Garbage dumping

The Mayor also blamed the illegal garbage dumping in the Cantonment area for the rising stray dog population. He added that legal action by animal rights groups were hampering efforts to rein in aggressive stray dogs.

Deputy Mayor P. Indira, former Mayor T.O. Mohanan, and ruling party councillors attended the press briefing, reiterating their commitment to addressing the situation.

Published - June 18, 2025 07:38 pm IST