In what could be a rather dangerous return to natural instincts, stray dogs that are roaming around abandoned mines at Madukkarai, close to the L&T by-pass have started hunting down cattle in packs in the nearby farms.
On a head count one could find more than 30 dogs near a mine, which is now used as a dumping site at Ambedkar Nagar close to Marappaalam, roaming around and eating from the wastes. Interestingly, most of the dogs are seen wearing collar belts indicating that they had been abandoned by their former owners.
Sources claim that there was also leopard movement in the area after the dogs have started appearing. While leopards are known to hunt down dogs, this site could also prove a favourite hunting ground for leopards from nearby forests, if their natural prey base reduces.
On the other hand, according to sources, the dogs – which could be easily over seventy in number – have been let loose in the area by their owners from Kerala, who drop them here after crossing the Interstate border. Locals also claim that these dogs respond to calls in Malayalam.
While the presence of so many unsterilised dogs in an area close to residential colony is a big trouble by itself, the mongrels have also started to exhibit their natural instincts by hunting down goats, cattle and hens from nearby farms in Madukkarai and Chettipalayam Pirivu, and further extending their hunting ground up to Ettimadai.
Recently, more than ten dogs entered a farm in the vicinity and killed three goats. They had reportedly eaten up the ears of the goats and have left them dead without touching the remaining carcass. The dogs, despite becoming full-fledged hunters, have not been consuming the meat fully except for the ears of the kill.
Claiming that the problem has been going on for the past three months, V. Rajan, a villager said that the animals are taken here from Palakkad in vans and are released during the night.
“While more than ten goats have been killed in the village so far, more than five cattle were attacked and around 20 domestic fowls have been taken by these dogs,” he added.
P.Ayyakannu, a farmer, also informed that these dogs have also indulged in chasing motorists and passersby often resulting in falls. However, no dog bites have been reported so far from the area.
The dogs seemed to be taking shelter around the mine-turned-dump yard in the mornings and set out for the hunt in the night. The villagers have decided to submit a representation with the District Administration regarding the issue.