Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Jaipur, Aug 18: A five-year-old boy was viciously attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Udaipur’s Gautam Vihar Colony on Sunday, an incident that has reignited public anger over rising cases of dog attacks across Rajasthan. The brutal assault, captured on CCTV and widely circulated on Monday, has shocked residents and drawn attention to the glaring inaction of authorities.

The child, identified as Gauransh, was riding his toy scooter just outside his home when he was suddenly surrounded by several dogs. Within seconds, they dragged him down and began biting him on the stomach and leg. His mother, Preeti, rushed to the scene upon hearing his screams and managed to chase the dogs away, saving her son from further injury. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The horrifying nature of the attack and the speed at which it unfolded have left the community deeply shaken. Residents of the colony say this is not an isolated incident. Just months ago, an 8-year-old boy suffered serious injuries in a similar dog attack in another part of the city. Last year, a 5-year-old girl tragically died after being mauled by stray dogs near the Mastan Baba Dargah.

Frustrated locals say repeated complaints to animal welfare departments have gone unanswered. “We keep reporting the dangers. Children are getting attacked. But no action is taken. How many more will be bitten or killed before someone does something?” a resident said angrily.

The incident has renewed calls for decisive measures to tackle the stray dog menace. While the Rajasthan High Court had recently empowered municipal corporations to capture and relocate stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks, residents say the orders are yet to be effectively enforced.

The court also directed that FIRs be filed against those obstructing these operations. However, the ground reality remains grim.

According to official figures, Rajasthan recorded more than 3 lakh dog bite cases in 2024 alone. Reports of attacks have continued unabated into this year, raising urgent concerns about the safety of children and the accountability of civic agencies.

As outrage grows, residents of Udaipur and beyond are demanding not just relief but also responsibility – and swift action to ensure no more children fall victim to such horrifying attacks.