According to a publication in Some media dated February 27, 2024, the city witnesses approximately 20,000 dog bite injuries annually, highlighting the severity of the issue. Legal authorities have underscored the statutory duties of the Municipal Corporation to ensure the safety of citizens from street dog attacks.
However, both the municipal corporation and the Police Department have been criticized for failing to fulfill these obligations, leading to a surge in reported and unreported dog bite cases. Shockingly, victims of these attacks have allegedly received no assistance or compensation, leaving them abandoned and without proper medical care.
The gravity of the situation is further compounded by recent incidents, including one where a dog attacked 14 individuals simultaneously in the Mannat colony, Mahantesh Nagar area. Additionally, two young children, Kaiflachapuri and AizalPathan, sustained severe injuries in separate stray dog attacks, with Kaif Pachapuri undergoing major plastic surgery at KLE Hospital, Belagavi.
Children, elderly individuals, and the general public face constant threats from dog attacks, whether while commuting to school, going for morning walks, or simply being outdoors. The menace extends even to aggressive pet dogs, whose owners allegedly neglect proper maintenance, resulting in further incidents.
The lack of response from municipal authorities has drawn criticism from various quarters, with human rights advocates demanding immediate action to address the issue.
The recent Supreme Court judgment, keeping open the Karnataka High Court's ruling granting discretionary power to local authorities to control stray dog populations, underscores the urgency for intervention.
In light of these developments, concerned citizens and advocacy groups have urged the local authorities to take decisive action to curb dog attacks and ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Moreover, they emphasise the importance of providing necessary assistance and compensation to the victims of these harrowing incidents.