7-Year-Old Girl Mauled By Stray Dogs In Telangana; Locals Demand Urgent Action

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 14:11 IST

Residents of New Shayampet in Telangana are now urging the authorities to capture and relocate stray dogs to safe shelters to prevent further attacks

The Supreme Court on Monday took states and Union Territories to task for failing to comply with its August 22 directive on sterilisation, and immunisation of stray dogs.

Panic gripped the residents of New Shayampet in Telangana on Sunday morning after a shocking stray dog attack left a seven-year-old girl, Srija, injured and traumatised. The child narrowly escaped with her life after a pack of stray dogs suddenly mauled her while she was on her way to a nearby shop.

According to witnesses, Srija was walking along the road near her home when a group of stray dogs lunged at her without warning. The frightened child fell to the ground as the dogs began biting her legs and arms. Hearing her screams, local residents rushed to her rescue, driving the dogs away before the situation turned fatal.

Thanks to their quick response, a major tragedy was averted. Srija, however, sustained bite wounds on her hands and legs. Her parents immediately took her to the nearest government hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Doctors said her condition is stable.

Growing Fear Over Rising Stray Dog Menace

Residents of New Shayampet say stray dog attacks have become alarmingly frequent in recent months. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints to the municipal authorities, no effective measures have been taken to control the situation.

“The number of stray dogs keeps increasing every day. Children going to school are terrified. We have filed complaints several times, but officials are yet to act," said one local resident.

Citizens are now urging the authorities to capture and relocate stray dogs to safe shelters to prevent further attacks.

The Supreme Court on Monday took states and Union Territories to task for failing to comply with its August 22 directive on sterilisation, and immunisation of stray dogs in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

“Nothing has come on record. Continuous incidents are happening. Your country is being shown down in foreign countries," the Supreme Court Bench observed.

Another Tragedy: 10-Year-Old Dies After Dog Bite

In a separate heart-breaking case, a 10-year-old girl from Balkonda in Nizamabad district died recently due to rabies, nearly a month after being bitten by a dog.

The victim, identified as Lakshmana, had suffered a dog bite injury on her head but kept it secret from her family out of fear of being scolded. Her parents only realised something was wrong when her behaviour changed drastically — she began barking like a dog and appeared terrified of water, both classic symptoms of rabies.

Alarmed, her family rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she was suffering from advanced rabies. Unfortunately, by the time she received medical attention, it was too late. Despite treatment efforts, she passed away, leaving her family devastated.

Doctors Warn: ‘Don’t Ignore Even Small Dog Bites’

Following the recent incidents, health experts have urged the public to take dog bites seriously, even if they appear minor. Rabies, a fatal viral infection transmitted through bites or scratches, can be prevented if treated promptly — but once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

Doctors stressed the importance of immediate medical care:

• Get a rabies vaccination immediately after a dog bite, whether the dog is a pet or stray.

• Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes before visiting a doctor.

• Do not delay treatment, as early intervention can save lives.

Medical professionals also cautioned parents to educate their children about the risks of concealing animal bites. Children often hide such incidents out of fear, which can lead to fatal consequences.

“Timely vaccination and awareness are the only ways to prevent rabies deaths," doctors stressed, urging local authorities to step up stray dog control programmes and public awareness drives.

A Community On Edge

Both incidents — Srija’s narrow escape in Hanumakonda and Lakshmana’s tragic death in Nizamabad — have left communities shaken. Parents are now anxious about letting their children walk to school or play outdoors.

While animal welfare advocates call for humane handling of stray populations, residents insist that authorities must act swiftly to ensure safety. The growing number of stray dogs in towns and cities has become both a public health concern and a test of civic accountability.

Until effective action is taken, fear continues to stalk the streets — especially for parents who just want their children to be safe on their way home.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News india 7-Year-Old Girl Mauled By Stray Dogs In Telangana; Locals Demand Urgent Action