Child Critically Injured in Prem Nagar Dog Attack
A quiet Sunday evening in northwest Delhi's Prem Nagar area turned into a nightmare when a six-year-old boy playing outside his home was brutally attacked by a neighbour's pet Pit Bull. The incident occurred in the Vinay Enclave locality, leaving the child with severe injuries, including the loss of his right ear.
The police have registered a case and arrested the dog's owner, identified as Rajesh Pal, aged 50. The victim's father, Dinesh, a 32-year-old factory worker, recounted the horrifying moment when the dog ran out of Pal's house and launched an unprovoked attack on his son.
Rescue and Immediate Aftermath
According to a police officer present at the scene, the situation was dire. "The dog bit off the child's right ear," the officer stated. "His parents, along with some alert neighbours, managed to pull the boy free from the animal's grip." The child was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Following the attack, a team from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) visited Rajesh Pal's residence. The Pit Bull was taken into custody and transported to the Sonadi Animal Care Centre in Najafgarh. An MCD official confirmed that a decision has been made not to release the animal. Authorities are also in the process of verifying whether the dog was officially registered with the corporation, as required by local regulations.
Legal Loopholes and Pet Regulations in Delhi
In a significant revelation post-incident, the MCD highlighted a gap in the existing legislation. An official explained that the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act does not grant the MCD the power to issue a penalty or challan directly for a dog attack. The corporation's authority to impose fines is limited to only two specific scenarios: when a dog is found in a public space without a muzzle and when it is not kept on a leash.
Furthermore, the official clarified a common public misconception, stating, "There is no ban on so-called ferocious breeds in Delhi." This statement underscores the current legal framework that places the primary onus of responsible pet ownership on the individual, without breed-specific restrictions, a point likely to fuel further public debate on urban pet safety laws.
