Rabid dog attacks 35 people across Kerala’s Kannur, beaten to death by one of its victims

A suspected rabid stray dog caused panic in Kerala’s Kannur district on Thursday after it attacked over 35 people across multiple locations, including children and pedestrians. The rampage came to an end when one of the victims, in an act of self-defense, beat the dog to death to prevent further injuries. Health authorities and local officials have urged residents to stay alert and have begun implementing anti-rabies measures in affected areas.

The attacks began early in the morning around 7 AM on Chala Koyode Road and spread across several localities, including Poduvacheri, Iriveri, Panerichal, Muzhappala, Chakkarakkal town, Chakkarakkal Sona Road, Chirakkat in Anjarakandy, and Chembilode panchayats. The victims were ordinary citizens going about their day—people waiting at bus stops, pedestrians, children playing, and even individuals standing on their verandahs. The sheer randomness and ferocity of the dog’s attacks caused widespread fear among the locals.

Medical authorities quickly mobilized to provide treatment to the injured. One victim with severe facial injuries was admitted to a private hospital, while three others sought emergency care at Kannur Medical College Hospital. The remaining injured were taken to Kannur District Hospital, where they received post-exposure prophylaxis and necessary medical attention. As a precautionary measure, additional stocks of anti-rabies vaccines were arranged by the health department.

Following the attacks, local authorities advised extreme caution and urged residents to report any other stray animals exhibiting aggressive behavior. The health department, in coordination with municipal authorities, has begun a containment and vaccination drive to curb the spread of rabies. Kannur district officials have also warned pet owners to ensure that their animals are properly vaccinated, as stray dogs remain a significant public health concern.

This alarming incident comes just days after a tragic case in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where a man infected with rabies died by suicide in a hospital isolation ward. The victim, bitten by a rabid dog, had developed severe aggression and neurological symptoms before slitting his throat in a disturbing case of rabies-induced psychosis. The back-to-back cases have sparked renewed calls for stricter animal control policies and increased public awareness regarding rabies prevention.

Experts emphasize that rabies remains a serious but preventable disease if timely medical intervention is provided. Health officials continue to urge the public to seek immediate treatment after any animal bite, as once rabies symptoms begin, the disease is nearly always fatal. The incident in Kannur highlights the urgency of mass vaccination programs for stray animals and proactive community participation in reporting aggressive behavior among strays.