Hyderabad: A seven-year-old girl, identified as Sreeja, was severely injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Hanamkonda, Telangana, on Saturday morning. The horrifying incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage among local residents and reignited the debate over stray dog management in residential areas.
Girl attacked while walking alone
The incident occurred around 7.50 a.m. when Sreeja was walking alone on a residential road. CCTV footage from the area shows at least three dogs lying on the road, while four others suddenly charge at the unsuspecting child. Startled, she trips and falls, and within seconds, the entire pack surrounds and attacks her.
Her terrified screams alerted a passerby, who rushed to her aid, throwing a stone to drive away the dogs. The man then helped the injured child and immediately arranged to take her to a nearby hospital.
Child undergoing treatment
Doctors said Sreeja sustained multiple bite injuries and was admitted for treatment. She is currently under observation and receiving anti-rabies medication. According to hospital sources, her condition is stable but she remains traumatised by the attack.
The family has urged authorities to take swift action to prevent similar incidents, citing repeated complaints to the local administration about stray dog aggression in their neighbourhood.
Residents blame civic negligence
Following the attack, angry residents blamed the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) for failing to curb the rising stray dog menace. They alleged that despite several complaints and prior attacks, civic officials had not conducted sterilisation or relocation drives in the locality.
“The authorities wake up only after a tragedy occurs. Children and elderly people are scared to walk on the streets,” said a resident of Hanamkonda.
CCTV footage sparks public outrage
The chilling CCTV footage of the attack has gone viral on social media, with citizens demanding stronger municipal action and accountability. The video shows the helpless girl struggling as the dogs bite her before being rescued by the passerby.
Several users expressed anger over civic negligence, while others emphasised the need for humane but effective population control of stray animals through sterilisation and vaccination programmes.
Debate reignites over stray dog management
The incident has once again ignited the long-standing debate between animal rights activists and residents over how to handle stray dogs in urban areas. While some advocate relocation of aggressive dogs and stricter control measures, others argue for ethical and sustainable approaches like sterilisation and community feeding.
Animal welfare groups have condemned calls for culling or relocation, stressing that the focus should be on responsible waste management and effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.
Authorities promise swift action
Responding to public outrage, officials from the GWMC stated that teams have been deployed to catch and vaccinate stray dogs in the area. A senior municipal officer said, “We are investigating the incident and will take appropriate action to prevent such occurrences. Stray dog control and sterilisation drives are being intensified.”
However, residents have urged that words must translate into consistent action, as isolated drives often fail to address the root of the problem.
Conclusion
The Hanamkonda incident highlights a recurring urban safety challenge across India — balancing compassion for animals with the need to protect citizens, especially children. As Sreeja recovers in hospital, her traumatic experience serves as a grim reminder that stronger policies and sustained efforts are needed to manage stray populations and ensure public safety.