Child Attacked by Dog Sparks Stray Safety Debate

Muzaffarnagar: In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a distressing event unfolded on Monday as a young child of three years faced a harrowing encounter with a dog while playing outdoors. The incident, captured by a surveillance camera, has reignited discussions on the safety concerns posed by stray dogs.

The CCTV footage depicts two children engrossed in play on the street, when one child ventures out of the camera’s frame. Suddenly, a dog pounces on the remaining child, causing him to fall to the ground. The child can be seen in agony as he wriggles in pain, until a woman rushes to his aid, lifting him up and swiftly taking him away from the scene.

This unsettling incident occurred in Tantheda village, situated within Muzaffarnagar.

Following the attack, the injured child was promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Although the specifics of his injuries have not been disclosed, reports indicate that he is undergoing necessary treatment.

This incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over dog-related incidents across the nation. According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there has been a notable 26.5 percent rise in cases of dog bites from 2022 to 2023.

In response to this alarming trend, the central government issued a directive in March, urging state authorities to implement bans on the sale and breeding of 23 identified aggressive dog breeds. Among the breeds listed are Pitbull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs. Additionally, the directive stressed the importance of sterilizing existing pets belonging to these breeds as a preventive measure.