A four-year-old girl sustained serious head injuries after being attacked by a pet German Shepherd in the Radha Kunj Society area of Patrakar Colony in Jaipur on May 24. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about pet safety and accountability in residential complexes.
Incident Details
According to police, the injured child, Advika Khandelwal, had gone to a nearby apartment around 8:30 pm to call other children to play. As the flat's gate was closed, she rang the doorbell. When the gate was opened, a pet German Shepherd rushed out and attacked her. The dog targeted the child's head, causing deep wounds on her scalp and above one eye. The impact left the girl bleeding profusely and collapsing on the ground.
In the FIR, the family alleged that after the attack, the dog was taken back inside the flat and the gate was shut while the injured child remained outside. Hearing her cries, other residents rushed to the spot, rescued her, and informed her family.
Medical Response and Family's Demand
The child was rushed to the emergency ward of SMS Hospital, where she received treatment. Her father, Santosh Kumar, said the injuries were severe and doctors have advised consultation with a plastic surgeon. He stated, "My only demand is that such dangerous dogs should not be allowed as pets in residential societies. My daughter has suffered a severe head injury and may have to undergo surgery as well. The dog owner's family is known to me. I had initially requested them to take the dog away, but they were unwilling. Thus I lodged an FIR on May 29."
Legal Action
Police registered an FIR against the dog's owners on May 29 and handed over the animal to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation's animal welfare wing. SHO Madan Kadwasara of Patrakar Colony police station said, "We have registered a case and will file a charge-sheet. Also, the dog has been handed over to the animal welfare wing of the JMC after we received the complaint."
The case has once again raised concerns over the safety of residents, especially children, in residential complexes where pets are kept. Animal welfare experts emphasize the need for responsible pet ownership and strict enforcement of rules regarding dangerous breeds.
