In recent years, India has witnessed an alarming increase in attacks by stray animals, particularly dogs, which have resulted in severe injuries and tragic fatalities, especially among children
These incidents have not only raised public alarm but also triggered debates about the safety measures and policies needed to address this growing menace.
The victims and most vulnerable in these attacks were children, whose encounters with aggressive strays have often led to tragic outcomes.
This article speaks about specific incidents of attacks across various parts of India, the government’s responses, underlying causes, and measures to mitigate these attacks.
Incidents of Stray Animals’ Attacks on Humans
Hyderabad, Telangana
Most recently, an 18-month-old toddler was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Adarsh Nagar of Jawaharnagar in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The boy, named Pulluri Vihaan, reportedly followed his mother Lakshmi to a nearby general store. “He left the home shortly after his mother did and was initially attacked by one stray dog before he was dragged about 10-15 metres away. There were about 10 dogs involved in the attack which proved fatal for the boy, according to locals.” said the police.
Kannur, Kerala
In June 2023, an 11-year-old autistic boy, Nihal was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs. This incident highlighted the severe risk posed by stray dogs in Kerala, a state that has reported a significant number of dog bite cases over the years. In 2022 alone, 11,776 cases were recorded, reflecting an alarming trend.
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
In October 2022, a seven-month-old child was horrifically attacked by stray dogs, leading to severe injuries and eventually death. This incident caused public outcry and highlighted the urgent need for stricter control measures in urban areas (India Today).
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
In April 2022, two young children were attacked by stray dogs while returning home. One child succumbed to the injuries, while the other was severely wounded. The local authorities captured several dogs following the incident, but the fear among residents persisted (India Today).
Bengaluru, Karnataka
In June 2022, two children were attacked by stray dogs in a residential area. The children, aged three and five, sustained multiple bite wounds. The incident underscored the risks faced by children playing in neighbourhoods with stray dog populations (India Today).
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: In April 2022, stray dogs attacked 39 people, including tourists, in a single incident. This attack in the Dalgate area of Srinagar highlighted the pervasive nature of the stray dog problem even in tourist hotspots (India Today).
Government Response
The Indian government and various state authorities have taken several steps to address the stray dog menace.
In Kerala, the state government has considered invoking Section 133(f) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) to empower district magistrates to cull dangerous animals.
This decision followed public outrage and legal petitions demanding action against the increasing number of stray dog attacks.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has also approached the Supreme Court, seeking immediate measures such as confinement facilities for stray dogs or their culling.
This appeal was driven by the significant number of rabies cases and fatalities in the state, with India accounting for a high percentage of global rabies deaths .
Underlying Causes
Waste Management
Poor waste management practices attract stray dogs to urban areas. The abundance of food waste in open garbage dumps provides a consistent food source, encouraging the proliferation of stray dogs (India Today).
Lack of Sterilisation
Inadequate implementation of animal birth control programs has led to a continuous increase in the stray dog population. While some states have initiated sterilisation drives, the efforts are often insufficient compared to the scale of the problem (India Today).
Public Awareness
Limited public awareness about ways to safely interact with stray animals can lead to avoidable confrontations, especially involving children who might not recognise the danger posed by unfamiliar dogs.
Measures to Mitigate Stray Animal Attacks
Enhanced Sterilisation Programs
Expanding and intensifying animal birth control initiatives can help control the stray dog population over time. These programs should be adequately funded and efficiently implemented across all states.
Improved Waste Management
Implementing better waste management practices to reduce food waste on streets can diminish the food supply for stray dogs, thereby discouraging their presence in residential areas.
Public Education
Raising awareness about safe interactions with stray animals and educating communities on preventive measures can reduce the risk of attacks.
Legislative Actions
Enforcing existing laws and potentially introducing new regulations to manage stray dog populations and address the immediate threats posed by aggressive animals can provide a legal framework for effective action.
The issue of stray animal attacks in India is a pressing public safety concern that requires urgent and coordinated action. While some measures are being implemented, the scale and persistence of the problem demand a more robust and sustained approach. Balancing human safety with animal welfare is challenging but essential to mitigate the risks posed by stray animals and ensure safer communities for everyone, especially vulnerable children. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective strategies, India can hope to reduce the frequency of these tragic incidents and foster a more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
