**Stray Dog Interrupts Street Play in Kerala, Bites Performer During Rabies Awareness Programme**
Kannur: A street play in Kerala’s Kandakkai took an unexpected turn on Sunday evening (October 5) when a stray dog suddenly ran onto the stage and bit one of the performers. The incident occurred during a one-act play titled *Pekkaalam* (Rabies Season), which was ironically being staged as part of an awareness programme about stray dog attacks at the Kandakkai Krishna Pillai Library around 7:00 pm.
A video capturing the shocking moment has since surfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention.
### What Happened?
During the performance, a sound recording of barking dogs attacking a child was played over the speakers. Apparently alarmed by the recordings, a nearby stray dog rushed onto the stage. Confused by the situation, the dog bit 57-year-old artist P. Radhakrishnan, who was acting in the scene.
Initially, the audience believed the incident was part of the play. It was only when Radhakrishnan revealed he had been bitten that they realized it was real.
“I was playing the scene where my character was trying to help a child being attacked by street dogs. I had a stick in my hand as part of the act. Suddenly, a dog came from behind and bit my leg. I managed to scare it off, which saved me from any further attack,” Radhakrishnan told *The New Indian Express*.
### Medical Treatment and Safety
Radhakrishnan was immediately taken to Kannur Medical College, where he received an anti-rabies vaccination. Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries. He credited his quick reaction for preventing the dog’s teeth from piercing his flesh.
“This was my first experience of such an incident in years of performing community street plays,” he added.
### Broader Concerns Over Stray Dog Attacks
The incident has highlighted growing concerns in Kerala regarding stray dog attacks. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns by officials and local groups, encounters like this underline the challenges faced by communities.
Animal advocates commented that the dog’s aggressive response seemed to be a misunderstanding, likely triggered by the loud sound effects rather than deliberate aggression.
As Kerala continues to tackle the issue of stray dog safety, this unusual disruption serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and stray animals in urban areas.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/street-dog-interrupts-rabies-awareness-play-in-kerala-bites-actor-in-confusion-after-sound-effects-mimic-barking-sounds-video