Stray dogs maul infant to death

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 17

In a shocking incident, a one-and-a-half-year-old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs at a park in Sector 18-C here on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as Ayush. Narrating the incident, the victim’s mother, Mamta, who works as a domestic help, said after leaving her four children in the park, she went to a house to clean utensils.

“Suddenly, I heard a noise from outside. People were chasing dogs and my children were crying profusely. I rushed to the park. While three of my children were safe, Ayush was bitten badly, said Mamta, breaking into tears.

Anjali (5), the eldest among the four siblings, said they were playing when a pack of dogs attacked them.

While she, along with Anand (4) and Arpit (3), managed to run away, Ayush was not so fortunate.  The dogs pounced of him and mauled him badly. 

Ayush was rushed to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, where he succumbed to the injuries. 

The incident caused panic in the Sector 18 area. Residents gathered at the spot and accused the MC of doing precious little to curb the stray dog menace. 

“Dog-bite cases have become routine. Stay dogs have now claimed a life. We do not know when the MC will act,” said Shyam, a friend of the victim’s father, Munder.

The MC authorities swung into action and caught two stray dogs, suspected to have mauled Ayush.  

A senior MC official said a dog sterilisation programme would be relaunched in the city soon. He said an awareness drive would also be launched to sensitise residents. He advised people no to leave children   unattended in parks.