PARACHINAR: Eighteen people, including children, were bitten by stray dogs in Pewar village of Kurram tribal district along the Pak-Afghan border the other day.

According to reports the villagers took all the injured to hospital for treatment.

As the news about attacks of stray dogs spread in the area, the local people took arms and sticks to counter the canine onslaught. They shot several dogs dead and searched for others.

According to villagers, a pack of six dogs was brought by unknown miscreants to the area which started attacking the locals, particularly children. About 18 youth and children were bitten by the dogs.

Dr Nasir, medical superintendent at the district hospital, Parachinar, said that an emergency had been declared at the hospital after several dog bites were reported. So far 18 affected people have been brought to the hospital, who have been discharged after treatment, he said, adding there was shortage of anti-rabies vaccine at the hospital.

Kamran Hussain, a resident of Pewar village, said after wild dog attack announcements were made on loudspeakers asking locals not to allow children outside homes.

The local people demanded of the district administration to send security officials to the affected area to investigate the matter.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2018