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Residents of New Shayampet in Telangana are now urging the authorities to capture the stray dogs and shift them to safe shelters to prevent further attacks.
The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up states and union territories for failing to comply with its August 22 direction on sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs.
Panic spread among the residents of New Shayampet in Telangana on Sunday morning when a seven-year-old girl Sreeja was left injured and traumatized by a shocking stray dog attack. The girl had a narrow escape when she was suddenly attacked by a pack of stray dogs while she was walking towards a nearby shop.
According to eyewitnesses, Srija was walking on the road near her house when a group of stray dogs pounced on her without any warning. The frightened girl fell on the ground as the dogs started biting her legs and arms. Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to save him and chased away the dogs before the situation turned fatal.
Due to his quick reaction a major accident was averted. However, Sreeja sustained bite wounds on her hands and legs. His parents immediately took him to the nearest government hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Doctors said that his condition is stable.
Growing fear due to the increasing threat of stray dogs
Residents of New Shayampet say attacks by stray dogs have increased alarmingly in recent months. Local people allege that despite repeated complaints to the municipal authorities, no effective steps have been taken to control the situation.
A local resident said, “The number of stray dogs is increasing every day. School-going children are scared. We have filed complaints several times, but the authorities have not yet taken action.”
Citizens are now urging the authorities to capture the stray dogs and shift them to safe shelters to prevent further attacks.
The Supreme Court on Monday held states and Union Territories responsible for failing to comply with its August 22 direction on sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, made under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Supreme Court bench said, “Nothing has come on record. Incidents are happening continuously. Your country is being humiliated in foreign countries.”
Another tragedy: 10 year old child dies due to dog bite
In a separate heartbreaking case, a 10-year-old girl from Balkonda in Nizamabad district recently died due to rabies, about a month after being bitten by a dog.
The victim has been identified as Laxman, who suffered a dog bite injury on his head but kept it hidden from his family due to fear of being scolded. Her parents only realized something was wrong when her behavior changed drastically – she started barking like a dog and becoming afraid of water, both classic symptoms of rabies.
Concerned, her family rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was suffering from advanced rabies. Unfortunately, by the time he got medical help, it was too late. Despite treatment efforts, he died, leaving his family devastated.
Doctors warn: ‘Don’t ignore even small dog bites’
Following recent incidents, health experts have urged the public to take dog bites seriously, even if they seem minor. Rabies, a deadly viral infection spread through bites or scratches, can be prevented if treated promptly – but once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Doctors stressed the importance of immediate medical care:
- Get rabies vaccination immediately after a dog bite, whether the dog is a pet or a stray.
- Before going to the doctor, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not delay treatment, as early intervention can save life.
Medical professionals also cautioned parents to educate their children about the risks of covering up animal bites. Children often hide such incidents out of fear, which can have fatal consequences.
“Timely vaccination and awareness is the only way to prevent rabies deaths,” the doctors stressed, urging local authorities to step up stray dog control programs and public awareness campaigns.
a community on the edge
Both the incidents – Sreeja’s narrow escape in Hanumakonda and Laxman’s tragic death in Nizamabad – have shocked the communities. Parents are now worried about letting their children walk to school or play outside.
While animal welfare advocates call for the stray population to be dealt with humanely, residents insist that authorities must act quickly to ensure safety. The increasing number of stray dogs in towns and cities has become both a public health concern and a test of civic accountability.
Unless effective action is taken, fear remains on the streets – especially for parents who want their children to be safe on their way home.
The news desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who chronicle and analyze the most important events happening in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, Desk D…read more
The news desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who chronicle and analyze the most important events happening in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, Desk D… read more
October 28, 2025, 14:11 IST
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