Uttar Pradesh: 5-year-old girl mauled to death by stray dogs in Gonda, dies on way to hospital
Child dies after stray dog attack near her home in Gonda (Image: Dall-E/Republic bharat)
On 14th February, a 5-year-old girl was mauled to death by stray dogs in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. The child, identified as Muskaan, had stepped out of her house to relieve herself when a pack of dogs attacked her.
The attack outside the house
The incident took place in the Kalyan Nagar area under Dhanepur police station limits. Muskaan, daughter of Vishnu Lal, who works in Mumbai, had gone out with her younger sister and two other children near a primary school around 7:30 am to relieve herself. According to media reports, stray dogs suddenly pounced on the children. While the others managed to flee, Muskaan was caught and brutally mauled.
The dogs reportedly bit her on the neck and tore at her body, leaving her bleeding profusely. By the time family members and neighbours rushed out after hearing screams, the child was lying outside her home, writhing in pain, with the ground stained with blood.
Referred, but declared dead
Muskaan was first taken to the Community Health Centre in Muzehna. Doctors provided primary treatment and referred her to the district hospital considering her critical condition. However, she succumbed to her injuries on the way. Doctors later declared her dead. The grieving family has demanded strict action against stray dogs, while local officials have assured that a drive will be conducted.
Editor’s note
There are two aspects of the story here. First, the problem of stray dogs on the streets, which has reached an epidemic level. While dog lovers claim deaths due to rabies have significantly reduced, they are completely turning a blind eye to the fact that severe dog bite injuries are causing deaths, especially among children, as they are easy targets. Stray dogs are attacking the neck and face of children, leading to fatal injuries.
The other aspect is the absence of a toilet at Muskaan’s house. Despite the government’s efforts in the past 11 years, it is a matter of investigation why marginalised families still have to go outside to relieve themselves. The incident also raises questions about implementation gaps in sanitation schemes.
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