A four-year-old girl was mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Bengaluru's Sahakara Nagar on Monday evening, sparking outrage among local residents who blamed an irresponsible dog feeding mafia for the growing menace.
Incident Details
The incident occurred around 6:30 PM when the child was playing near her home. A group of stray dogs suddenly attacked her, causing severe injuries to her face, arms, and legs. Neighbors rushed to her rescue and chased the dogs away. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors described her condition as stable but serious.
Residents' Concerns
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the issue of stray dogs has escalated across the entire neighborhood due to a so-called dog feeding mafia. “These individuals feed the dogs at specific spots, encouraging them to gather in large numbers. The dogs become territorial and aggressive, posing a threat to residents, especially children,” he said.
Another resident, Priya Sharma, said, “We have complained to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) multiple times, but no action has been taken. The authorities must sterilize and relocate these dogs before more lives are endangered.”
Official Response
BBMP officials stated that they are aware of the incident and have deployed a team to capture the aggressive dogs. “We will conduct a survey in the area and take necessary steps, including sterilization and relocation. We urge residents to cooperate and report any stray dog sightings,” a BBMP spokesperson said.
Animal welfare activists, however, cautioned against mass culling and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions like sterilization drives and responsible feeding practices.
Rising Stray Dog Attacks in Bengaluru
Bengaluru has witnessed a surge in stray dog attacks in recent months. According to BBMP data, over 5,000 dog bite cases were reported in the city in the first five months of 2026. Residents have repeatedly demanded stricter enforcement of animal control measures.
The incident has reignited the debate on stray dog management in urban areas, with calls for a comprehensive policy that balances animal welfare and public safety.
