Manipur News

The festive season is over and a new year has already dawned upon us. While others were busy ushering in the New Year with hopes and festivities, the transition period between 2014 and 15 saw Churachandpur grappling with a major menace. Starting from the last two months of 2014 and continuing into the New Year, the district has witnessed several human casualties resulting from dog-bites. Our district correspondent reported at least five persons have died after being bitten by dogs in the district during the period including a two years and eight months old boy, son of a local newspaper correspondent. The loss suffered by the families during such a festive season is inconsolable and there can be no denying that the issue is of utmost importance and needs immediate attention. Many of the pet owners seem unaware of the need for timely vaccination of their pets, the report had said while at the same time questioning the functioning of the concerned authorities on the issue. As was pointed out in the news report, the main concern however is the ignorance of the general population on the importance of timely vaccination of their pets, which is why it is all the more important for the concerned authorities to come up with proper actions to contain the menace at the earliest. As the issue could well snowball into a major crisis and spread fast and wide, preventive measure whatsoever should come swift.

Authorities may well start by educating the public on the importance of vaccinating pets and encouraging them to do so regularly. The concerned district administration on its part has already notified that there are cases of death due to dog-bites which are suspected to be cases of rabies infection. It has as such urged all dog owners to vaccinate their pets at the district veterinary office and at the same time directed the police authorities to initiate a drive in capturing stray dogs and any type of cattle including cows, sheep which are posing a danger to the public and disturbing traffic regulations. Now the major concern is ensuring successful implementation of the orders. The authorities at the same time need to see to it that the public is well-informed of the proper medical care needed in case of dog bites. Providing prompt medical attention could go a long way in saving a possible victim and anyone bitten by dogs should be subjected to proper medical evaluation. As in the case of any major issue, civil society organisations taking the lead in educating people on the precautions could also help.

While it is certainly disturbing that we get to witness and hear of such losses as in the district at a time when medical sciences have developed so much, it is also all the more important for the people to understand the need and importance of their participation during such menace. And any lack of noise from the general public on the issue could be quite disheartening and disturbing. And a deeper reflection will only establish that any lack of commitment or negligence on the part of the general public on the issue can only result in a tragedy and there are no two ways about it.

Leader Writer: Wangkheimayum Bhupendra Singh

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/the-dogbite-menace/