Stray Dog Attacks Trigger Panic in Lucknow Neighborhoods
Panic spread through the Maulvi Ganj ward of Lucknow on Thursday after an 8-year-old girl suffered multiple injuries in a sudden stray dog attack on a residential street. The incident has highlighted growing concerns over stray animal management in the city.
Girl Attacked Without Provocation
According to eyewitness accounts, the dog reportedly ran out from a nearby house and attacked the young child without any provocation. The girl was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, where she received immediate medical attention, including anti-rabies injections to prevent potential complications.
Residents Blame Local Feeding Practices
Local residents expressed frustration, stating that dogs in the area are regularly fed by a woman, which has led to aggressive behavior from the animals. They reported that previous complaints about the dangerous situation had been ignored, with no action taken by authorities despite repeated warnings.
Rashid Ali, a concerned local resident, emphasized the ongoing risk, saying, "Some people feed these dogs regularly, and as a result, passersby are often attacked by the canines. This has become a serious safety issue in our neighborhood."
Official Response and Fines Imposed
Abhinav Verma, an animal welfare officer with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), confirmed that a complaint has been officially recorded and will undergo verification before further action is taken. In a significant development, Verma disclosed that a show-cause notice has been issued to the woman who adopted the dogs, along with a fine of Rs 5,000 for improper handling of the animals.
Second Incident in Rajajipuram
In a separate but related incident, a pack of approximately ten stray dogs entered a park in Rajajipuram and chased children who were playing there. Fortunately, the children managed to escape without sustaining any injuries, though the event has added to the growing anxiety among residents about stray dog threats in public spaces.
Municipal Corporation Plans Action
Addressing the escalating situation, Abhinav Verma announced that a dog-catching drive will commence soon to address the stray dog population in affected areas. This proactive measure aims to prevent future attacks and restore a sense of security among Lucknow's residents.
The back-to-back incidents have sparked urgent calls for improved animal control policies and better enforcement of existing regulations to ensure public safety while balancing animal welfare concerns.
