On 9/5, Quynh Anh commune leaders reported they had not identified the dog's owner, as residents had killed the animal after it attacked several people.

Earlier that morning, the dog roamed through Minh Tan, Van Tho, Phu Thinh, and Hop Cong villages within Quynh Anh commune, continuously attacking pedestrians. Victims, unable to react or flee, suffered bites to their arms and legs with varying injuries. Residents subsequently surrounded and killed the animal with sticks.

A 43-year-old woman received 4 stitches at a local medical station. Another victim suffered a bite that exposed bone and required hospital treatment. All those injured received wound care and rabies vaccine injections.

Among the dog bite victims were three 12-year-old male students. *Hung Le*

Local authorities urged residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies, control dogs and cats strictly, prevent them from roaming freely, and report any animals exhibiting dangerous behavior to relevant authorities.

The Nghe An Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health reports that the province has over 500,000 household dogs, yet the vaccination rate is only 20-25%. The majority of dogs are still allowed to roam, creating safety hazards and increasing the risk of rabies transmission.

Recent months have seen a series of dog attacks. On 3/4, Dang Huu Quyet, 83, from Ha Tinh, died after being bitten by a dog he was feeding. On 15/4, three women in Vinh Loc ward, Nghe An, were attacked by a stray dog while exercising; two required hospitalization for stitches.

The Ministry of Health reports that Vietnam records approximately 70-90 rabies deaths annually, primarily in rural and mountainous regions. While the disease is nearly untreatable once symptoms manifest, it is preventable through timely vaccination.

Duc Hung