The recurring nightmare of stray dog attacks has struck Panipat once again, this time targeting one of its youngest residents. The brutal nature of today’s attack has led to a spontaneous protest by residents outside the Municipal Corporation office.
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The Incident: The attack occurred around 5:30 PM at a public park in a prominent residential colony (Sector 13-17 area). The child, identified as Yash, was reportedly playing near a swing when the pack attacked him. Witnesses described a “blood-curdling scene” where the dogs dragged the child for several meters before being chased away by local youth.
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Medical Status: Doctors at the Panipat Civil Hospital stated that the child has suffered multiple “Grade III” bites. “He has lost significant tissue on his left arm and has deep lacerations on his back. He is currently under observation and has been administered the anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin,” said the attending surgeon.
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Public Outrage: By 7:30 PM, over a hundred residents gathered to protest. They highlighted that this is the fourth major dog bite incident in the city this week alone. “We pay our taxes for safety and sanitation, but our children cannot even go to the park. The MC only gives excuses about tender delays for sterilization,” shouted a protesting parent.
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Municipal Failure: Data suggests that Panipat has over 20,000 stray dogs. While the MC recently claimed to have awarded a new sterilization tender (at ₹1,450 per dog), residents claim no actual work has started on the ground. The local “Animal Birth Control” (ABC) centers are reportedly non-functional or understaffed.
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Political Reaction: Local ward councilors joined the protesters, demanding that the MC Commissioner take immediate accountability and launch a “catch-and-relocate” drive for aggressive dogs in school and park zones.
Safety Warning: The district administration has advised parents to ensure children are accompanied by adults in parks during the early morning and evening hours. The MC has promised to deploy “Dog Catching Squads” in the affected sector starting tomorrow morning.
