A wave of attacks by stray dogs around the Telangana State Secretariat has triggered alarm among employees, visitors and residents. Over the past two days, four people have been bitten by stray dogs in and around the Secretariat premises, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities.
Where and How It Happened
The bites occurred in critical locations inside and near the Secretariat complex, including the canteen, media center, and the visitor pass counter.
Staff and visitors say that stray packs roam freely in these areas, particularly in the evenings. Despite repeated requests, no preventive measures such as fences or deterrents were in place before the recent incidents.
The Secretariat is located just a few hundred meters from the GHMC headquarters, making the situation even more concerning for employees who expected better stray control in such a high-security zone.
What the Municipal Corporation Did
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has deployed stray dog catching teams to the Secretariat area. So far, seven stray dogs have been caught and sterilised.
Employees have urged dispensaries within the Secretariat to stock anti rabies injections, although it remains unclear whether that process is underway.
GHMC officials said sterilisation and capture efforts will continue across the area, but employees argue that the response has been more reactive than preventive.
Why This Is a Serious Concern
Beyond the immediate injuries, there is growing concern about the risk of rabies, since most stray dogs remain unvaccinated.
Some of those bitten were visitors unfamiliar with how to respond to stray bites, raising fears about delayed medical treatment.
The repeated attacks near sensitive offices highlight broader safety lapses in urban management and the need for consistent stray control mechanisms.
Broader Context
Telangana has recorded over 300 dog bite incidents per day in recent years, totaling around 3.4 lakh cases statewide.
Hyderabad’s core zones, especially high traffic public areas, have been among the worst affected. Local animal control departments acknowledge that while sterilisation drives are ongoing, the overall stray population still exceeds management capacity.
What People Want and What Should Happen
Employees and visitors have called for the following measures:
Immediate stocking of anti rabies vaccines in Secretariat health facilities.
Restricting stray entry into key public spaces like the canteen and media centre.
Regular sterilisation and vaccination campaigns by GHMC.
Awareness sessions and visible emergency response signage for bite victims.
Authorities have advised anyone bitten to wash the wound thoroughly, seek immediate medical help, and complete the full vaccination course.
The Takeaway
The stray dog menace has evolved from a civic nuisance into a public safety crisis, especially when attacks occur in the heart of government activity. The Telangana Secretariat incidents highlight the urgent need for coordinated action between GHMC, the Health Department, and animal welfare bodies.
Protecting people’s safety while ensuring humane treatment of animals must go hand-in-hand and this episode is a stark reminder of the balance city administrations must urgently achieve.
