Stray dogs have field day in Race Course

Coimbatore: Stray dogs continue to be a menace to those visiting the 2km stretch on the Race Course in the city for leisurely walks and shopping.
Motorists say stray dogs often chase them while riding on the road.
The number of stray dogs has increased in the stretch.
Hundreds of people daily visit the model road, walking track, kids play area, and the media tower that were developed on the Race Course under the scheme.
K Thangasuba, a resident of Sowripalayam, said she had a harrowing experience when she was going to the Race Course on Wednesday evening. While riding pillion on a bike, she saw a pack of dogs. “One of them started chasing the two-wheeler and tried to bite me,” she said. The dog managed to bite her sari and tear a part of it. “It was a close shave,” she said.
“I was struck in fear for some time. It would have been even more distressful had it bit me. I was lucky that day,” she said.
S Sundararajan, a regular walker at Race Course, said the number of dogs is increasing. He took the issue with the authorities but in vain. The authorities told him that they must release the dogs at the same place even after catching and sterilizing them, as per the rules.
“Many people feed the dogs with biscuits, attracting dogs to the spot. It should be stopped. If they want to feed the dogs, let them take them to their houses. The inaction by the civic authorities only suggests that they are least concerned about the issue,” he said.
A higher official from the city corporation said he would depute officials to the Race Course to check and take appropriate action.