New Delhi: A horrifying incident in Nashik, Maharashtra, has thrown a stark spotlight on the escalating problem of stray dogs in the region. An 11-year-old girl was brutally attacked by a pack of stray dogs on Saturday night, leaving her severely injured.
A 1 minute and 35 seconds video recorded the terrifying ordeal of a girl surrounded by nearly half a dozen dogs as she screamed for help before being dragged and mauled. While the girl’s current condition remains unknown, she was rescued after a few women intervened and got her free from the clutches of dogs.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, similar attacks on pedestrians were reported in Pune, and in Navi Mumbai and Thane during December. The increasing number of stray dogs has become a serious issue across the state, posing risks to pedestrians, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those on two-wheelers.
The unpredictable behaviour of stray dogs, often travelling in packs, frequently leads to accidents, causing injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. The sudden appearance of a pack of dogs on a road can easily trigger accidents involving vehicles, leading to significant injury or even death.
Adding to the growing concern in the city, a separate incident at the Trimbakeshwar temple on Sunday evening saw ten pilgrims, including six children, bitten by a rabid stray dog. The attack created chaos within the temple, with the dog initially attacking people before being chased away, only to return and bite more people at another gate. While the injured pilgrims received prompt medical attention at a local rural hospital, they were then transferred to the Nashik Civil Hospital for further treatment.
