A 10-year-old boy in Kerala’s Kollam district jumped from the first floor of his house to rescue his 6-year-old sister from a dog attack on Tuesday. The incident took place in the Kottiyam area around 4 pm when the siblings were playing in the courtyard.
Heroic leap to safety
According to local police, the dog, a stray, entered the premises and lunged at the younger girl. Her brother, witnessing the attack from the first-floor balcony, did not hesitate. He leaped down, landing on the dog and forcing it to release his sister. The dog then fled the scene.
The boy sustained minor bruises and a sprained ankle from the fall, while the girl had bite marks on her arm but was otherwise unharmed. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were treated and discharged after a few hours.
Community response
Neighbors praised the boy’s quick thinking and bravery. “He didn’t think twice. He just jumped. It was incredible,” said a neighbor. The local municipal authorities have been alerted about the stray dog, which is being tracked for vaccination and possible relocation.
Kerala has seen a rise in stray dog attacks in recent months, prompting the state government to launch a sterilization and vaccination drive. As of March 2026, over 15,000 stray dogs have been sterilized under the Animal Birth Control program, according to the Kerala State Animal Welfare Board.
Family’s relief
The children’s parents, who were inside the house at the time of the attack, expressed gratitude. “We are thankful to God that both are safe. Our son is a hero,” said the father. The family has requested privacy as the children recover from the traumatic event.
Police have registered a case regarding the dog attack and are investigating if the dog belongs to a local resident. Animal rights activists have urged the public to report aggressive strays to the local corporation helpline.
