Sat Jun 21 13:39:20 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Stray Horse Bites Woman in Coimbatore, Sparking Concerns Over Animal Control**
Coimbatore, June 21, 2025 – A 48-year-old domestic worker, M. Annalakshmi, was attacked by a stray horse in the Edayarpalayam area of Coimbatore on Saturday morning, raising concerns about the city’s handling of stray animal populations.
According to Annalakshmi, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. as she was heading to work. “I stepped out around 7 a.m. and a horse was standing nearby. When I turned to get on my two-wheeler, it bit me,” she stated. She sought immediate medical attention at a private clinic but is now seeking government assistance to cover the expensive treatment costs.
Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran assured that necessary medical support would be provided. He added that the corporation would capture the horse and attempt to locate its owner. “Further steps will be taken to reduce the presence of stray horses in public areas,” Prabakaran said, acknowledging the issue, although he admitted there is no official count of stray horses in the city.
V. Balakrishnan, Cruelty Inspector at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), criticized the Corporation’s current approach. He pointed out that stricter control measures were previously in place when the SPCA managed stray animal control, and owners of stray horses and cows were regularly fined. “For nearly two decades now, since the Corporation took over, no strict measures are in place,” Balakrishnan stated. He emphasized the potential severity of horse bites, citing the high risk of rabies.
Balakrishnan warned that stray horses are commonly seen in areas like Kavundampalayam, Edayarpalayam, Saibaba Colony and Vellakinar Pirivu. “Since 2022, 112 horses have been rescued from accidents,” he added. “Without stricter control, this could become another stray dog situation,” he cautioned.
First Piper 