Surat : 9-Year-Old Boy Mauled by Stray Dogs

Surat : A pack of eight stray dogs attacked a nine-year-old boy in Piplod area of Surat, leaving him with more than 20 dog bites and serious head injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through the city and has reignited concerns about the growing menace of stray dogs.

Sunny Rathod,  was on his way to school when he saw a fallen kite near his house and jumped over the wall to retrieve it. This seemingly harmless act turned into a nightmare as a pack of eight stray dogs suddenly attacked him. The dogs tore at Sunny’s head, inflicting severe wounds.

Hearing the boy’s screams, pedestrians rushed to the spot and bravely shooed away the ferocious dogs, rescuing Sunny from further harm. He was immediately rushed to the New Civil Hospital (NCH) for emergency surgery.

This incident comes just days after a little girl in Varachha was attacked by stray dogs, sustaining serious eye injuries. These repeated attacks have highlighted the failure of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to effectively control the stray dog population.

Residents of Surat are expressing their anger and frustration with the SMC’s lackadaisical attitude towards this issue. They demand immediate action to curb the menace of stray dogs and ensure the safety of the city’s residents, especially children.

“It is heartbreaking to see children becoming victims of these vicious attacks,” said a resident of Piplod. “The SMC needs to wake up and take concrete steps to address this issue before it’s too late.”

The incident has sparked a debate about the ethical treatment of stray dogs and the need for a balanced approach that ensures the safety of both humans and animals. Animal welfare organizations are calling for proper sterilization and vaccination programs, along with responsible pet ownership practices, to address the root cause of the problem.

“The city administration needs to urgently address this situation by taking effective measures to control the stray dog population” said Sanjay Ezhava, a social activist. “This includes increasing sterilization and vaccination drives, creating dedicated animal shelters, and implementing stricter penalties for irresponsible pet owners. Only then can the residents of Surat feel safe and secure from the terror of stray dogs.”