New Delhi: A six-year-old boy suffered grievous injuries, including the loss of his right ear, after a pit bull attacked him in northwest Delhi’s Prem Nagar area on Sunday evening. The shocking incident has once again raised concerns over the growing number of aggressive pet dog attacks in residential neighbourhoods and the lack of enforcement regarding ownership of high-risk dog breeds.
The child, a resident of Vinay Enclave, had been playing outside his house when the attack occurred. According to the police, the pit bull suddenly emerged from a neighbour’s home and charged at the boy without provocation. The dog belongs to Rajesh Pal, a 50-year-old tailor who lives in the same locality.
A call alerting the police to the incident was made to the Prem Nagar police station at 5.38 p.m., reporting that the child had suffered severe injuries and had been rushed to the hospital by his parents. The brutal attack left the boy with deep bite wounds and resulted in the loss of his right ear, which the dog bit off during the assault.
With the help of neighbours, the child’s parents managed to pull him away from the dog and took him first to BSA Hospital in Rohini. Doctors later referred him to Safdarjung Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Dog brought home by jailed son
A preliminary inquiry revealed that the pit bull had been brought home about one-and-a-half years ago by Rajesh Pal’s son, Sachin Pal, who is currently in jail in an attempted murder case. Police are verifying whether the dog had shown aggressive behaviour earlier or whether neighbours had raised concerns.
Investigators have collected medical records of the child and recorded the statement of his father, Dinesh, who works in a private factory in Kirti Nagar.
Police register case, owner arrested
Based on the complaint and medical findings, a case has been registered at the Prem Nagar police station. Dog owner Rajesh Pal has been arrested and is being questioned about the circumstances that led to the dog being unrestrained.
Police are also examining whether the dog was trained, adequately secured inside the house, and vaccinated as per civic norms. Authorities will check municipal records to verify whether the pet was legally registered.
Rising concerns over dangerous dog breeds
This incident has fuelled discussions about the dangers of keeping high-risk dog breeds such as pit bulls, bullmastiffs and Rottweilers in crowded residential areas without proper training. Animal experts have long emphasised that these breeds require strict supervision, controlled environments and experienced handling, which are often missing in urban colonies.
Several cities have debated restrictions or bans on such breeds, but no uniform national policy exists.
Residents of Vinay Enclave said this was not the first time the pit bull had appeared unrestrained. Some claimed they had earlier expressed concerns about the dog’s behaviour but no corrective steps were taken.
Locals shaken as child undergoes treatment
The brutal attack has left the locality in shock. Residents expressed anger over what they described as irresponsible pet ownership that endangers children and others.
The boy’s family is now focused on his recovery, while doctors monitor his condition and explore reconstructive options for his injuries.
Police have assured strict action and said the investigation is ongoing.