Fisherman attacked by stray dogs, dies

Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (PTI) A 50-year-old man was killed after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs at nearby Pulluvila, the latest in a series of deaths suspected to be have been caused by the canines in Kerala. Locals said the deceased, a fisherman, was chased for about one kilometre and attacked by some ferocious dogs loitering on the coastal stretch at around 11 PM yesterday. His attempt to jump into the waters was in vain and he was bitten on his hands, legs and face after he sustained a fall. Hearing his screams, some youngsters rushed to help and found the man surrounded and attacked by dogs. His clothes were torn and he was lying naked, the brother of the deceased said. Though he was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital, he died early today, hospital sources said. The issue was raised in the state assembly today with Local Self Government Minister K T Jaleel describing it as “unfortunate”. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the issue should be viewed “seriously.” Meanwhile, angry residents, including relatives of the deceased, blocked traffic protesting against the incident. In August last year, a 65-year-old woman from the same area was attacked and killed by stray dogs. A similar incident had claimed the life of a 85-year-old man at Thiruvilam village in Thiruvananthapuram district in April this year, while a 90-year-old man sleeping in the front veranda of his house was attacked by stray dogs and badly injured and he died later in October last year. PTI