In a tragic incident in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district, an eight-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs on Tuesday evening. The girl, identified as Riya, was playing near her home in the Adarsh Nagar area when the dogs attacked her. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her brought dead.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around 6 pm when Riya was outside her house. The pack of stray dogs, reportedly five to six in number, attacked her suddenly. On hearing her screams, family members and neighbors rushed to the spot and managed to scare away the dogs, but by then the girl had sustained severe injuries, especially on her neck and face.
Family's Grief and Outrage
The family is devastated by the loss. Riya's father, a daily wage laborer, said that they had previously complained about the stray dogs in the area but no action was taken. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents who have demanded immediate measures to control the stray dog population. Protests were held in the area, with people blocking roads and demanding action against the municipal corporation for negligence.
Official Response
The local administration has assured strict action. The Municipal Corporation of Hoshiarpur has announced that a team will be formed to capture the aggressive dogs. Senior officials visited the spot and promised compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the bereaved family. The district administration has also ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Stray Dog Menace in Punjab
This is not an isolated incident. Punjab has been grappling with the stray dog problem for years. According to the 2019 livestock census, there are over 3 lakh stray dogs in the state. Several attacks have been reported, leading to public outcry. Animal rights activists, however, have opposed culling and advocate for sterilization and vaccination programs. The state government has implemented the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, but its implementation has been slow and inconsistent.
Community Reactions
The local community is in shock. Neighbors described Riya as a cheerful and playful child. Many residents have called for a permanent solution to the stray dog menace. Some have suggested that the municipal corporation should ensure that stray dogs are sterilized and vaccinated regularly. Others have demanded that the dogs be relocated to shelters. The incident has also reignited the debate on the effectiveness of the ABC program in Punjab.
Call for Action
Following the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur has directed the municipal corporation to conduct a survey of stray dogs in the city and take immediate steps to prevent such incidents. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons for negligence. The state government has also announced that it will review the existing laws regarding stray dogs.
The tragic death of the eight-year-old girl has once again highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to address the stray dog issue in Punjab. While the family mourns their loss, the community demands justice and safety for their children. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
