Dog or owner — whom to blame after Pitbull bites off 6-year-old's ear in Delhi

A six-year-old boy was left terribly injured after a pitbull mauled him in northwest Delhi's Prem Nagar area on Sunday evening. The horrific attack, which occurred while the child was playing outside his house in Vinay Enclave, has left him with severe injuries, including the loss of his right ear. The pitbull, owned by Rajesh Pal, a 50-year-old tailor, suddenly charged at the boy, biting off his ear and causing serious wounds. Neighbours and the boy's parents managed to rescue him from the dog's grip and rushed him to BSA Hospital in Rohini, where he was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment.

According to preliminary investigations, the pitbull was brought home by Rajesh Pal's son, Sachin Pal, who is currently in jail for an attempted murder case. The police have collected the child's medical records and recorded the statement of the boy's father, Dinesh, who works at a private factory in Kirti Nagar. Rajesh Pal has been arrested and a case has been registered against him at the Prem Nagar police station under Sections 291 and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, pertaining to negligent conduct with respect to animals and rash or negligent act endangering life and safety of others, respectively.

Breed alone doesn't dictate dog's behaviour

The notion that smaller dogs are more aggressive due to their survival instincts is rooted in science. Despite domestication, their genes still reflect their wild past, making them feisty and potentially more aggressive. On the other hand, larger breeds, often perceived as intimidating, can be gentle giants.

Breed alone doesn't dictate a dog's behaviour. Research suggests that only 9% of a dog's behaviour is influenced by its breed, while 91% is shaped by factors like upbringing, training, socialisation, personality and human treatment. This means that any dog, regardless of breed or size, can become aggressive or friendly depending on its environment and handling. Labrador Retrievers and Indie dogs alike can exhibit unpredictable behaviour if not properly cared for.