Roaming wild dogs maul three children, livestock in Busia

One of the wild dogs residents of Sikarira in Butula killed on January 6, 2019. [Ignatius Odanga, Standard]

Panic and fear has gripped residents of Sikarira in Butula constituency after wild dogs mauled three children.

The animals invaded the area two weeks ago, residents say.

A number of domestic animals including sheep, goats and chickens have not been spared either. Locals are worried that the wild animals in Khareka Forest and sugarcane plantations roam the area and attack during the day.

Residents appealed to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to tour the region and investigate.

They recounted the ordeal they have gone through because of the jackals. Parents are worried about their children. Patricl Opiyo’s two-year-old boy was attacked last week and sustained arm injuries.

He rushed the boy to Khunyangu Sub-County Hospital for treatment. Due to financial constraints Opiyo has been unable to take back the child for treatment against rabies.

“The animals are causing a lot of harm to us and our domestic animals. We are worried particularly about our schoolgoing children,” said Opiyo.

He said women no longer go to fetch firewood in Khareka. “The jackals are all over when sugarcane is due for harvesting because it forms a good hiding place," Opiyo said.

Village elder Fredrick Otieno asked officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service to deal with the animals. He said at least three children have so far been attacked.

Otieno said villagers are living in fear. At the weekend the residents hunted down the animals and killed one. “They are too many and roam in the area anytime, we are forced to walk with a weapon because you don’t know when they will strike,” said Otieno.

He said more than 30 sheep, chickens and goats have been attacked and killed. The elder warned locals against feasting on animals killed by the dogs.

He said due to poverty, parents whose children are attacked are unable to take them to hospital.

"Unless KWS comes to our rescue the wild dogs are going to continue attacking people and animals," Otieno added.