Pune: Five-Year-Old Attacked by Stray Dogs in Katraj; Serious Injuries Sustained

Katraj, 20th December 2024: A five-year-old child playing in the premises of a society in Chandrangan Phase-5 at Ambegaon Pathar, Katraj, Pune, was attacked by five to six stray dogs and sustained serious injuries. The injured child, identified as Samarth Sachin Suryavanshi, suffered deep wounds on his head and face and is currently undergoing treatment.

This incident follows a similar attack last week in Ambegaon Budruk, where a stray dog injured another child. The repeated attacks have sparked anger among residents around Katraj, who blame the administration for neglecting the stray dog problem. Citizens have expressed frustration, accusing authorities of ignoring the safety and lives of residents while failing to implement effective control measures.

Residents demand that dog sterilization and control programs be made more effective. The frequency of dog attacks in the southern suburbs has raised serious concerns, with the attack on boy leaving him with life-threatening and disfiguring injuries. Many citizens question why the administration remains silent despite the growing threat posed by stray dogs. They argue that sterilization and vaccination alone are not sufficient, as the dog population continues to grow unchecked.

Dr. Nina Borade, Chief of the Health Department at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), commented on the issue, stating, “Stray dogs attacked children playing behind Bharati Vidyapeeth. A private organization sent a vehicle at night and captured four dogs, taking them into custody. Over the past month, a total of 30 dogs have been caught in the area for sterilization and vaccination. Today, two vehicles are engaged in catching dogs, and one is carrying out special vaccination efforts in the affected area.”

Dr. Borade also assured that the injured child and his family have been visited at Bharati Hospital, where the child’s condition is reported to be stable. Despite these actions, local citizens, public representatives, and social activists continue to demand a more urgent and effective response to the stray dog menace in Pune.