Leopard enters house, carries away dog in Thalavadi

ERODE A leopard entered a house at Soosaipuram village in Thalavadi taluk on Sunday night and carried away a dog, triggering fresh concern among residents who have been facing repeated attacks on domestic animals for the past three years. The leopard, which is believed to be taking shelter in a stone quarry, has been preying on goats, cattle and dogs in Soosaipuram, Doddagajanur, Bheemrajnagar and Hosur villages under the Thalavadi Forest Range of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). In the latest incident, the leopard entered the house of Mamani and carried away the dog kept in front of the house.

He was shocked to find the animal missing when he woke up on Monday morning. Forest Department officials, who visited the spot following information, confirmed that a leopard was involved based on the pugmarks found there. The repeated attacks have left farmers unable to carry out agricultural activities or graze their livestock without fear.

Farmers have urged the Forest Department to install a cage and capture the leopard.