An 11-year-old girl lost her life after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the victim, identified as Priya, was playing near her home in the Kachaura village under the Jalalabad police station area.
Details of the Incident
According to local authorities, the girl was alone when a group of stray dogs suddenly attacked her. Neighbors heard her screams and rushed to the spot, but by the time they could intervene, the dogs had inflicted severe injuries on her. She was immediately taken to a nearby community health center, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Family's Grief and Demands
The victim's family, who are daily wage laborers, are devastated by the loss. They have demanded strict action against the local administration for failing to control the stray dog menace. The family also sought compensation and a thorough investigation into the incident.
"Our daughter was playing just a few meters away from our house. We never imagined such a tragedy could happen," said the girl's father, Rajesh Kumar, in a choked voice.
Official Response
Senior police and administrative officials visited the spot and assured the family of all possible help. The district magistrate has ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the municipal corporation to take immediate steps to capture stray dogs in the area. A compensation of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for the bereaved family.
"We have instructed the local authorities to conduct a survey of stray dogs and take necessary action. We will ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future," said Shahjahanpur District Magistrate, Dr. Rajasekhar.
Stray Dog Problem in Uttar Pradesh
This incident has once again brought to light the growing problem of stray dog attacks in Uttar Pradesh. According to official data, over 2.5 lakh dog bite cases were reported in the state in 2024, with several fatalities. Animal rights activists, however, argue that the solution lies in sterilization and vaccination drives rather than culling.
"The administration must implement a scientific approach to manage the stray dog population. Killing dogs is not a solution; we need to focus on animal birth control and rabies vaccination," said Dr. Suman Gupta, a local veterinarian.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents demanding immediate action to ensure their safety. Many parents have expressed fears about letting their children play outside. The local authorities have assured that a team of dog catchers has been deployed in the area and that they are working to capture the aggressive dogs.
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to address the stray dog crisis in urban and rural areas alike. While the government has initiated various measures, the implementation remains a challenge.
