More than three months after a senior citizen was mauled to death by stray dogs in Bengaluru, yet another attack has shaken residents of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, Kodigehalli. On Wednesday evening, a 33-year-old man identified as Veeresh Ullala was attacked by nearly 20 stray dogs while on an evening walk near a lake.
According to police, the incident took place around 7:30 p.m., when Veeresh reportedly tried to shoo away a stray dog, provoking a large pack to pounce on him. He sustained severe injuries to his neck, hands, and multiple parts of his body, and was rescued by a bystander before being rushed to a private hospital in Yelahanka. Doctors said his condition is stable.
Eyewitness recounts dramatic rescue
Sridhar, a waterman who happened to be nearby, said he initially mistook the commotion for dogs dragging a garbage bag. “Only when I went closer did I realise it was a man,” he told TOI. “I threw stones to drive the dogs away, but five of them turned against me. By the time I reached him, he was bleeding badly.”
Veeresh later said he owed his life to Sridhar’s intervention. “If he hadn’t helped me, I would have died. I have injuries in more than ten places. Officials keep taking dogs away and bringing them back to the same area — nothing is being done to solve this,” he said, expressing frustration at civic authorities.
Residents fear stepping out at night
Locals in Kempegowda Layout say stray dog attacks have become alarmingly frequent. “This is the fourth such incident in recent months,” said Chowdappa, a resident. “The dogs not only chase people but even enter houses — sometimes up to the first or second floor. We rarely step out at night anymore.”
Another resident said, “When we are busy inside, our kids playing outside are sitting ducks for such attacks. Dogs seem to have more value than humans. Our MLA hasn’t visited us even once. Officials don’t bother catching the dogs. We’re suffering while they sit in AC rooms.”
Venkatesh, the son of Seethappa, who was killed in a similar dog attack in July, said the population of strays had only increased since. “No lessons were learned from my father’s death,” he said. “The problem is worsening.”
Officials blame victim’s condition, draw backlash
Officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) visited the spot soon after the incident. They initially claimed that Veeresh was under the influence of alcohol when he was attacked, a remark that angered residents who accused the civic body of blaming victims instead of taking responsibility.
Bengaluru North corporation commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said a doctor had noted that the victim was “intoxicated,” but added that alcohol alone could not explain the brutality of the attack. “We will look into the matter and address it at the earliest,” he assured.
The commissioner also admitted that he had not realised how severe the stray dog problem had become in the Kodigehalli area. “I hold weekly grievance meetings, and we receive at least five to six complaints about stray dogs every time,” he said.
Frustration over civic inaction and legal limits
Residents expressed anger that authorities have failed to act despite repeated attacks. Many said they had filed multiple complaints, only to be told that law mandates the release of captured stray dogs back to the same area after sterilisation and vaccination — typically within 10 to 15 days.
“This is why their numbers keep growing,” said a resident. “The law needs to change. Otherwise, we will keep losing lives.”
A group of women residents also criticised local leaders, including revenue minister and area MLA Krishna Byre Gowda, for their silence on the issue. “Let them seek votes and collect taxes from dogs in the next election,” one woman said angrily.
Wider context: Supreme Court scrutiny
The incident comes amid ongoing national debate over stray dog management. The Supreme Court, which recently took note of rising dog attacks across India, has directed that stray dogs be relocated from public spaces such as schools and bus stands to designated shelters. The directive followed emotional pleas from victims’ families and civic bodies struggling to balance animal welfare with public safety.
Call for stronger intervention
With Bengaluru witnessing a series of violent dog attacks in recent months, residents and activists alike are demanding a comprehensive review of stray dog control policies, including stricter monitoring of sterilisation drives and better public awareness on animal behaviour.
For now, Veeresh remains hospitalised — alive but traumatised — while residents of Kempegowda Layout continue to live in fear.