What Happened When a Rottweiler Mauled a Four-Month-Old Infant in Ahmedabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The tragic incident highlights the dangers of unregulated pet ownership.
- Responsible pet ownership is essential for community safety.
- The need for stricter enforcement of pet registration laws is evident.
- Public awareness about pet behavior can prevent future incidents.
- Stray dog population management remains a critical issue in urban areas.
Ahmedabad, May 13 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred when a four-month-old infant was fatally attacked by a pet Rottweiler in the Hathijan locality of Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Tuesday.
The unfortunate event transpired at Radhey Residency where the Rottweiler managed to escape its leash and viciously assaulted Hina Chauhan, who was cradling her niece, Rishika, in her arms.
The dog seized the infant and delivered severe injuries before bystanders could intervene. Rishika was immediately taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Meanwhile, Chauhan suffered injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at LG Hospital. Disturbing CCTV footage of the attack has since gone viral, fueling public outrage.
Local residents claim that the dog had exhibited aggressive behavior before and had previously attacked other individuals in the community. They have lodged a formal complaint with the Vivekanandnagar Police Station, urging rigorous legal measures against the dog's owner, Dilipbhai Patel.
Witnesses reported that Patel was preoccupied on a phone call when the dog broke free and charged at the woman and child. Community members stated that prior warnings regarding the dog's conduct had been ignored by Patel. This same Rottweiler had allegedly bitten Chauhan on a different occasion and had injured at least three other individuals.
The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) confirmed that the Rottweiler was not registered with the municipal authority, a requirement for pet ownership.
On Tuesday, AMC officials, accompanied by police and a veterinary team, attempted to visit Patel's residence but discovered it locked. The dog was eventually located in Memnagar, where it was apprehended and transported to a municipal shelter.
Legal actions have been initiated against Patel for not registering the dog and for jeopardizing public safety.
AMC officials emphasized that this incident underscores the dire necessity for responsible pet ownership and strict compliance with civic regulations regarding potentially hazardous breeds. In recent years, Ahmedabad has witnessed a surge in both stray and pet dog populations.
The estimated stray dog population in the city surpasses three lakh, influenced by urban development, inadequate sterilization, and the availability of food in public areas. Stray dogs are frequently seen in residential neighborhoods, markets, and public spaces, raising public health and safety concerns, particularly concerning dog bites and rabies.
While the AMC has launched sterilization and vaccination initiatives under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, challenges remain due to limited resources, inconsistent execution, and coordination issues with NGOs.