'Dog attack' theory raises eyebrows

KOCHI: The killing of around 170 ducks allegedly due to attack by stray dogs at Edavanakkad panchayat near Njarackal has triggered confusion among the local residents. None of the dead birds were eaten or taken outside the shed where they were kept suggests that the inicident cannot be concluded as an attack by a pack of dogs.
The ducks belonging to Suresh, a farmer of Edavanakkad panchayat, were found dead inside the shed a few days ago.According to the farmer, he suffered a loss of around Rs 50,000 due to the killing of the birds. As the ducks were also laying eggs, the loss is even higher, claimed Suresh, who had taken the land on lease to run a duck farm and rear cattle.
After reports on similar killing of livestock continue to trigger panic among people, the police have conducted an investigation into the incident.
The investigation found that none of the birds were eaten or taken outside the cage by the predator animal. Also, residents in the locality had not heard any noise of the attack in which around 170 ducks were killed, as claimed by the farmer.
"Residents in the locality had not heard any noise at night when the alleged killing occurred. If the ducks were actually killed by stray dogs, they would have eaten or dragged dead birds outside the cage. According to farmers, dogs barely attack ducks due to foul smell.
The opening of the cage, around two feet high and covered with nylon nets, was found forcibly pushed inside. "Dogs generally pull out cages to break open them. Also the opening was too small for a pack of dogs to enter inside," added the officer.
Meanwhile, local residents have complained that attack of otters and civet cat on chicken and ducks are common in the locality. A few days ago, pigeons reared by a family in the locality were found killed in similar manner though they were kept inside an elevated cage.
Jose Maveli of Stray Dog Eradication Group has submitted a petition to state human rights commission seeking compensation for Suresh for the loss 'due to stray dog attack'.