A disturbing video from Tamil Nadu has sparked outrage online after showing a pet dog attacking a mother and her young daughter on a public road, with the owners allegedly failing to intervene.

Sudden attack caught on camera

According to viral footage, the dog ran out of a residential compound and first attacked the young girl. As the situation escalated, the child’s mother rushed to protect her, but the dog continued to lunge at both, creating a chaotic and frightening scene on the street.

Owners accused of inaction

Eyewitness visuals show the dog’s owners—reportedly two women and a man—coming out after hearing the commotion. However, instead of restraining the animal or assisting the victims, they allegedly shut the gate, leaving the dog outside.

The lack of immediate action has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the responsibility of pet owners in such situations.

Victims fend for themselves

In a desperate attempt to escape, the mother and daughter were seen throwing sand at the dog, eventually forcing it to retreat. The animal, unable to re-enter the premises, lingered near the gate before fleeing again.

The incident later took another turn, with reports suggesting the dog was also attacked by the victims in self-defence during the ordeal.

Legal provisions and responsibility

The incident has brought attention to legal accountability under Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which holds pet owners responsible for negligence if their animal causes harm. Violations can attract imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.

Public outrage and calls for action

Social media users widely condemned the owners’ alleged inaction, with many stressing that responsible pet ownership includes ensuring both public safety and the animal’s well-being.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a formal complaint has been registered, but the incident has reignited conversations around urban pet management and accountability.