Berhampur: A nine-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Odisha’s Ganjam district, triggering panic and renewed concerns over increasing dog attacks in the region.

The incident took place in the Patapur area in Ganjam district when the child was reportedly playing outside his house. According to local residents, five to seven aggressive stray dogs suddenly surrounded the boy and attacked him before anyone could intervene.

The child sustained severe injuries to his face and skull during the attack. Eyewitnesses said the dogs mauled the boy so brutally that he was unable to escape from their grip until nearby locals rushed to the spot and rescued him.

The injured boy was first taken to Digapahandi Community Health Centre and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur due to the seriousness of his condition. Hospital sources said the child suffered grievous head injuries and remains under critical medical care.

Rising stray dog menace sparks fear among residents

Residents alleged that stray dog menace has been increasing in several localities including Mahanala, Palaspur, Gandhi Chhak and Patapur over the past few days. Locals claimed that several people and domestic animals have already been attacked in recent weeks, creating fear among residents.

The latest incident has intensified public concern over stray dog management despite ongoing sterilisation and control measures undertaken by authorities. The issue has also drawn attention following previous directions by the High Court regarding rising dog attack incidents.

Animal welfare activists expressed concern over the incident and stressed the need for balanced measures that ensure both public safety and humane treatment of animals. Animal rights activist Ronali Panigrahi said increasing hostility and mistreatment towards stray animals may also contribute to aggressive behaviour among dogs.

The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for effective stray animal management and stronger public safety measures in vulnerable residential areas.