A six-year-old boy was severely injured after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Mahanal village, located in the Patapur block of Ganjam district, on Friday. The incident has triggered widespread panic among local residents. The child is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Berhampur, and his condition is reported to be stable.
Details of the Attack
According to sources, two children were playing on the road when five dogs suddenly surrounded them and attacked one of the boys. The other child managed to run away and escape unharmed. The dogs mauled the boy, leaving him with severe injuries to his head and face, alleged Simanchal Mahakuda, the victim's uncle.
Hearing the child's screams, a woman who was working nearby rushed to his rescue. She chased the dogs away and promptly informed the boy's family. The timely intervention likely prevented further harm.
Community Concerns
The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and residents of the village. They allege that the stray dog menace has made it unsafe for residents, particularly children and women, to step out of their homes. Around two months ago, another villager was injured after being attacked by the same pack of dogs, according to a local resident.
Residents are demanding that the district authorities take immediate steps to curb the growing population of stray dogs and prevent such attacks. They also called for free medical treatment for the injured child.
Animal Activist's Perspective
Animal activist Lalatendu Choudhury highlighted the need to extend the animal birth control (ABC) program currently being undertaken by the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) to rural areas. He emphasized that controlling the stray dog population through ABC programs is essential to mitigate the menace and ensure public safety.
The incident underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address the stray dog problem in rural Odisha, balancing animal welfare with community safety.
