Dog not intentionally fed to crocodile, was rabies: Inquiry Committee

Photo Collected

A+ A A-

The dog that died after being attacked by a crocodile at the shrine of Hazrat Khanjahan (RA) in Bagerhat was suffering from rabies. And the investigation committee did not find any truth about the allegation that the dog was deliberately pushed into the crocodile’s mouth and given in front of the crocodile as a bait.

On the afternoon of April 8, the crocodile grabbed a dog and dragged it underwater from the main ghat of Dighi. After the picture and video spread on social media, there was discussion and criticism about it across the country. Various complaints started coming. In view of which, the district administration formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. On Thursday, the committee submitted the report to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

According to the post-mortem and investigation committee report, the dog was suffering from rabies, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam said. Baten said the investigation committee found no evidence that the dog was deliberately placed in the crocodile’s mouth.

Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Atiya Khatun was the head of the investigation committee. He said, ‘We have submitted the report after inspecting the scene, collecting data and investigating the Department of Livestock. I have collected various evidences. The investigation found no evidence that the dog had been intentionally fed to the crocodile. The dog accidentally fell into the pond. The animal (dog) was suffering from rabies.’

On the afternoon of April 11, the postmortem of the dog was conducted under the supervision of the district animal husbandry department in Mazar area. Samples were collected and sent to the Central Disease Investigation Laboratory (CDL) in Dhaka for testing. The District Animal Husbandry received the CDIL report last Wednesday.

RAB arrests key suspect in Dhaka BNP leader murder case

Read More

Bagerhat District Livestock Officer (DLO) Mohammad Shaheb Ali said the dog was suffering from rabies as per the post-mortem report received from CDIL. Those bitten by the dog are also at risk of contracting rabies. However, those who have been contacted by dogs infected have received the vaccine.

When asked if there is any risk of crocodiles biting a dog with rabies, Mohammad Shaheb Ali said there is no risk of crocodiles getting infected. Because crocodiles are ferocious animals. So there is no risk of him getting rabies. However, people who have been bitten are at risk if they are not vaccinated.

The head of the investigation committee, Atia Khatun, said, “The dog has bitten several people. Forkan, the security guard of the shrine, has been vaccinated, we have also collected the evidence from the hospital.’