A string of recent attacks allegedly caused by a pack of stray dogs at a public park have terrified visitors.
On Thursday, a video circulated on social media warning of a wild pack of strays that had been chasing or ganging up on people at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park.
The video claimed that the dogs were not the usual ones around the park that were normally harmless, but instead pose a threat to public safety.
Following the video, yoga enthusiasts Tan and his wife, who frequent the park to lead free sessions, went to investigate to ensure their fellow practitioners were not at risk during their evening sessions.
The couple claimed to have witnessed a man jogging at the park to have been knocked down and bitten by one of the strays.
“The rest of the pack followed and started to attack the poor man,” said Tan, adding that he used a stick to chase off the dogs.
The couple related another incident where a mother and her child were about to be attacked by the same pack of dogs. “They were shaking with fear,” said Tan, adding that they were still shaken even after others came to help.
A cleaner at the park, Fatimah also shared that a friend of hers was bitten by one of the dogs last Thursday.
“These dogs are not the usual stray dogs who come to the park that only cause a scene if they are provoked.
“These ones are fierce. They have turned the dome site into their shelter, and this has been going on since Thursday.”
Another frequent park goer, Richard from Jalan Muara also said he had encountered the dogs.
“Mr Tan had given me a heads up so I brought my umbrella along and true enough the dogs did try to attack me but I scared them off with my umbrella.”
However, he believed that the attacks are unlikely to stop. “The authorities really need to address this,” he said.
Tan and his wife said they had lodged a complaint with the municipal department.
According to the couple, the department said public disturbances caused by animals have been outsourced to a private company.
They were informed that the private company appointed to tackle the issue has been alerted and would take action.
However, Tan and his wife remain concerned over the issue even after meeting with a municipal department officer. They believe more should be done.
“I told him there have been numerous cases involving the public being attacked and bitten by stray dogs. It is time that the relevant authority looks into this matter seriously.” – Lyna Mohamad
