Dogs on rampage attack residents

RWAMAGANA – Six people, including two teenagers, were injured when three dogs went on a rampage in Nyagasambu and Kadasumbwa villages in Musha sector on Wednesday. Four people were taken to hospital with severe dog bite wounds after the attack by three stray dogs at around 7.30 am on Wednesday. One of the dogs was shot dead, while the remaining two are still being hunted, Police said. Four of the victims were by yesterday taken to Rwamagana hospital for treatment. Two of the injuries were reported to be serious. Chantal Mukakamari, 48-year-old mother and one of the victims, sustained injuries on her forearms as she tried to fend off one of the rampaging dogs. Melissa Uwamahoro, 19, a resident of Kadasumbwa village, another victim who was severely injured said that the dogs appeared to be rabid. Mukakamari narrated that as she was going to Nyagasambu market, a dog came from behind and attacked her instantly. She however, showed frustrations over what she termed as delayed treatment. “I sustained these injuries trying to fight off these stray dogs. I reached at this hospital at 9.00 am, it is now 2.30 pm, but I have so far not received treatment,” she complained. Jean Claude Ndagijimana, the Director of Rwamagana hospital said that such dogs may be infected with rabies, and hence the victims are supposed to receive vaccination. He, however, noted that the hospital does not have such vaccines and depends on the district pharmacy, which at present, too, lacks the vaccination. “Such cases are problematic…the victims could be infected with rabies and hence need anti-rabies to be administered promptly and appropriately”. “The vaccine is also too expensive for peasants to afford (over Rwf 50,000), so we need the district’s assistance,” he said. Unvaccinated dogs continue to roam in villages, hence posing danger to residents. Ends