Fear of stray dogs is hindering socio-economic and educational surveys in Hosapete, with enumerators reluctant to visit certain localities. Recently, a census taker in Chitawadgi narrowly escaped an attack by a pack of stray dogs.
Enumerators said they have already raised the issue with the Vijayanagara district administration, but no action has been taken so far. They added that even before the survey began, they had urged officials to implement preventive measures against dog attacks.
Residents allege that the administration’s failure to enforce the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in recent years has led to a surge in the stray dog population. Some staff members have now demanded immediate intervention, saying door-to-door data collection has become increasingly difficult.
“I went to Chitawadgi for a survey when three dogs began barking and one lunged at me. Thankfully, locals came to my rescue. They later said dog attacks are frequent in the area. We urge the administration to address this issue,” an enumerator said.
Social activist Kumar K also criticised the authorities, saying stray dog attacks have become routine in Hosapete. “Survey workers are afraid to visit my area due to the number of dogs. It’s not just the enumerators; residents themselves are scared to step out,” he added.