CHENNAI: An incident in Madurai has raised concerns over the city’s stray dog menace after a street dog entered a house near the Matthuthavani bus stand and bit an eight-year-old boy and his father. The attack, captured on CCTV, has prompted calls for stronger animal control measures.

According to a Thanthi TV report, Muthusamy, 40, was at home on the day of the incident when his son Senthil, a Class 3 student, stepped out towards the bathroom.

The compound gate had been left open, allowing a stray dog to enter and bite the boy on his arms, legs and thigh. Hearing his cries, Muthusamy and other family members ran out and tried to chase the dog away, but it bit him on the leg and thigh.

The 1-minute-38-second CCTV footage shows the dog running around the yard and chasing other members of the household.

Both victims were taken to Madurai Government Hospital, where Senthil received stitches in three places and anti-rabies treatment, while Muthusamy was also given vaccines.

Residents say stray dogs are regularly drawn to the area due to fish waste and leftover food dumped by eateries near the bus stand.

“Madurai Corporation authorities must address the stray dog problem and instruct hotels to stop disposing of waste in open spaces,” said a resident.