Girl, 7, Attacked by Dog; Neighbours Urge Accountability From Pet Owners

A seven-year-old girl in New Delhi's Rohini's Sector was seriously hurt by a neighbour's dog at 5 pm on January 9, 2024. The American Bully dog attacked her while she was playing with friends in her housing society. The child's father, Shrikant Bhagat, mentioned that the dog bit her hand, back, behind her ear, leg, and under her eyes. Fortunately, she fought back and screamed, allowing her family to intervene in time.

Community Advocates for Safe Pet Practices and Awareness

The girl, traumatised by the incident, has been unable to sleep for more than three days. Bhagat expressed gratitude that they reached the scene promptly, saving her life. Due to the dog owner's reluctance, they plan to file a First Information Report (FIR) as the pet was unleashed during the attack. Bhagat, who operates a coaching center, emphasised the need for pet owners to be responsible.

In response to the incident, the residents of the housing society organised a torch march protesting the dog menace in their area. They chanted slogans like stop feeding stray dogs and cautioned dog lovers about the potential danger posed by pets to children. The protesters clarified that they are not against having pets but stressed the importance of understanding that certain pets can be risky for kids.

The police have taken action by registering a case under sections 289 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 289 pertains to negligent conduct with respect to animals, while Section 337 deals with causing harm to a person recklessly or negligently, endangering human life or safety. A senior police officer stated that an investigation has been initiated, and the accused will be called to participate in the inquiry.

In light of the traumatic experience, the girl's family plans to take her on a vacation to help her overcome the emotional impact. The incident has prompted concerns among the residents about dog safety, leading to calls for responsible ownership and awareness about potential dangers posed by certain pets, especially around children.