FOUR CHILDREN BITTEN BY ROAMING DOGS IN ZOMBO

By Mike Rwothomio
 
Zombo
 
Four minors below the age of 10, are nursing serious injuries inflicted on them by roaming dogs in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District.
 
 
The broad day incident, involved the quartet from different family. They were pounced on by different stray dogs in one day at Mvule cell, central ward, Paidha Town Council, Zombo District on September 16.
 
The vice chairperson LCI Mvule cell, David Othembi Dozomolo, confirmed the incident to Radio Pacis adding that one of the injured victims is his child, "my child was amongst the four children bitten by these stray dogs."
 
He added that, "we are struggling to foot the bill that has amounted to shs 250,000 yet the dog owners are not known"
 
Dozomolo appealed to the authorities to take immediate action of killing these dogs which are going to kill more children and domestic animals.
 
Though the injured victims were rushed to different health facilities within the town and later discharged, the harrowing incident, has elicited torrent of condemnation from some dwellers, accusing the town council leadership of laxity.
 
A parent to another child, who is also struggling to foot bills of her child said, "Unfortunately, we can't even locate the owners of the dogs. The council should kill these dogs"
 
The primary victims of these aggressive dogs are young children, however adults are also vulnerable to vicious dog attacks. 
 
Another Parent whose child was also bitten revealed that though the child is out of danger, "the incident has induced physical and emotional damage on my child." 
 
It's not clear whether the dogs were infected with rabies.
 
Apparently, roaming dogs have become a menace within the business- oriented Paidha Town Council.
 
Two months ago, in the neighboring Alengukuma cell, the dogs pounced on and injured two children of a catechist of Christ the King Catholic church.
 
According to Jamal Kasamba, a dog owner within central ward, Paidha town council, "the best way to avoid these natural reactions is for owners to train and socialize their dogs correctly" 
 
Godi Johnson, a resident of Ovuruyindi cell, Paidha town council attributed the incident to laxity by concerned leaders at the council. He added that, “the town council should open their eyes.
The stray dogs have become so many in this town. The council some years back killed stray dogs but now they are mute."
 
Many of the stray dogs that went on rampage, escaped unharmed with exception of only one killed by members of the public.
 
Paidha town leadership last eliminated roaming dogs in 2021, after their numbers surged, causing fear and anxiety among residents.
 
Getting response from the town council production department proved fruitless.
 
Radio Pacis has learnt that, the leadership of Paidha Town Council has just been undertaking a robust animal (Pets) vaccination campaign, but  many dog owners snubbed it.
 
Sources within Paidha Central Police said , Dog  bite  victims should  receive compensation thus placing   the burden of responsibility on dog owners. However, this is easier said than done, since most of the dog owners are unknown.
 
 
Despite PEP being almost 100 per cent effective in treatment against pets, only 2 out of 10 dog bite victims access it veterinary, experts say.
 
Dr Walter Kumakech, The District veterinary officer recently rallied people to present their animals for vaccination. Speaking at a function in Warr Town Council recently Kumakech said, “Ensure that your animals are vaccinated, it’s free of charge.”
 
On average, about 13,000 suspected rabies cases are recorded annually through the Uganda health management system, out of which 32 people and 130 animals die of rabies disease in Uganda respectively, according to the Uganda Veterinary association.

Marauding dogs have become a menace in the district, with many locals calling for an immediate action from authorities.