The people from the affected villages are very terrified after dogs, both domestic and stray, who became rabid after being bitten by rabid jackals, started attacking people and livestock. More than four dozen people of the affected VDCs have been bitten by the rabid dogs this month alone, it is learnt.

Just about a month ago, a14 people as well as scores of livestock had sustained serious injuries after being attacked by rabid jackals in Maidi-5, 6, and 9. But due to lack of proper health facility and treatment in their area, locals had been compelled to shell out hefty amounts of money in medical bills and travel costs to the Capital.

“We had requested the District Veterinary Office and other concerned authorities to take preventive measures at that time, but as nothing was done, we have been forced to relive the terrible nightmare ,” complained local youth Shambhu Magar of Chhapthok, Maidi-9. According to Magar, who is engaged in social work, locals have had trouble walking around the VDC during mornings and evenings and were scared to even send their children to school unattended.

According to locals, the menace had taken a huge toll on locals from Khari, Chainpur, Dhola, Nalang, Salang and other surrounding VDCs. As the rabid dogs are also attacking livestock, including cows and buffaloes, daily customers as well as dairies have stopped buying our milk, said local Dharma Bahadur Adhikari of Baireni, Nalang. While local youths have already killed and buried two rabid dogs in Maidi-9, concerned authorities are yet to take serious action to control the menace of rabid dogs.