Berhampur, May 23: A nine-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Odisha’s Ganjam district, causing panic among local residents and raising concerns over the increasing number of stray dog attacks in the region.
The incident occurred in the Patapur area of Ganjam district while the child was reportedly playing outside his house. According to locals, a group of five to seven stray dogs suddenly surrounded the boy and attacked him before anyone could come to his rescue.
The boy sustained serious injuries to his face and head during the brutal attack. Eyewitnesses said the dogs mauled the child severely, leaving him unable to escape until nearby residents rushed to the scene and drove the animals away.
The injured child was initially admitted to the Digapahandi Community Health Centre and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur after his condition became critical. Hospital sources said the boy suffered grievous head injuries and is currently undergoing intensive treatment.
Residents alleged that the stray dog menace has been increasing in several areas, including Mahanala, Palaspur, Gandhi Chhak, and Patapur, over the past few weeks. Locals claimed that multiple people and domestic animals have been attacked recently, creating fear and tension among residents in the area.
