Udaipur, June 25, 2025 - A shocking incident has left residents of a local society shaken and concerned after a young child was viciously attacked by a group of 4-5 stray dogs in broad daylight. The distressing event occurred yesterday, June 24, in Kharol Colony area of the city. It unfolded on the streets where children usually play and move freely, highlighting a significant safety issue in urban residential areas.

The Incident
The child, whose name is being withheld for privacy, was playing on the streets when a pack of stray dogs approached him. What started as a frightening encounter quickly escalated into a harrowing ordeal. The dogs pulled the child down to the ground, biting him multiple times on his hands and leaving scratches across several parts of his body.

This was not a typical stray dog incident where an animal bites and runs away. Instead, the dogs exhibited pack behaviour, akin to hunting, as they repeatedly attacked the child, dragging him along the ground. The entire episode lasted for more than a minute.

A Community in Shock
Despite desperate shouts from neighbours and onlookers, the dogs continued undeterred. Even when a few adults armed with sticks intervened to chase them away, the dogs persisted in their aggressive behaviour. Bruised and bloodied, the child was finally rescued, but not before enduring significant physical and emotional trauma!

This incident has left the local residents reeling under fear. Parents are now questioning whether it is safe for children to play outside. The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of elders who frequently walk on the same streets.

A Broader Concern
Stray dog attacks are not isolated incidents in many urban neighbourhoods. While dogs are protected under animal welfare laws, incidents like these underscore the need for a balanced approach to managing stray populations and ensure public safety.

1. How can the community ensure that such incidents do not recur?
2. Who should they approach to file a formal complaint?
3. What measures can be taken to address the growing stray dog population without compromising their welfare?

Call for Action

While dogs are often considered a part of urban ecosystems, incidents like these demand immediate attention. Authorities must step in to balance animal welfare with public safety, ensuring such alarming attacks do not repeat. Meanwhile, the community must remain vigilant and proactive to create a safer environment for all residents.

The attack on the young child is a grim reminder of the challenges posed by stray animals in residential areas. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and ensure safety while addressing the root causes of the problem.

• News written and shared by our reader Akhlaq Tidiwala