At least 110 people were injured in dog attacks in Sharsha upazila of Jashore district in a week, causing panic among local residents.
The victims, including men and women, received treatment at Sharsha Upazila Health Complex between Sept 1 and Sept 7, according to hospital authorities.
With the latest incidents, a total of 593 people have been injured in dog attacks in the area since August, including 483 in August and 110 in the first week of September.
Sharsha Upazila Health Officer Toufiq Parvez said all the victims received necessary treatment and anti-rabies vaccines before being released from the hospital.
He urged people to remain cautious of stray dogs and seek medical attention immediately after being bitten.
Morshed Ali, a resident of Amrakhali village, said a pack of stray dogs entered the village after crossing the railway line on the morning of Sept 1 and suddenly began attacking people.
“Within an hour, the dogs attacked around 20 people,” he said.
The attacks have created fear among residents, with many reportedly reluctant to leave their homes.
Some parents are also afraid to send their children to school because of the stray dogs, Ali said.
He urged the Sharsha upazila administration and Benapole municipal authorities to take immediate measures to control the stray dog population.
Sharsha Upazila Livestock Officer Topu Kumar Saha said the growing number of stray dogs has become a matter of serious concern for local people.
“A dog bite can be extremely dangerous. Once rabies develops, it is almost invariably fatal,” he said, advising people bitten by dogs to receive anti-rabies vaccination without delay.
He also advised pet owners to ensure that their animals receive anti-rabies vaccines regularly.