Delhi: 7-year-old 'severely injured' after neighbour's 'dangerous' dog attacks; Father files FIR

In Delhi's Shahbad Dairy, a seven-year-old girl faced a horrifying attack by an American Bully dog while playing near her residence. The incident occurred around 5 pm on January 9, as the child was playing with other children near her house.

The girl's father, who runs a coaching institute in Mukherjee Nagar, filed a police complaint, alleging that the American Bully dog, belonging to a neighbour, caused severe injuries to his daughter. According to the complaint, the dog bit the child near her eyes, left shoulder, and various other parts of her body.

The father recounted that the dog attack happened when his daughter, attempting to escape from the approaching animal, fell.

The dog, left unattended due to negligence, pursued the child and launched the attack. Despite her attempts to defend herself, the young girl sustained injuries in the process.

Prompted by the commotion, the father, along with others, rushed to the scene, managing to rescue the child from the aggressive dog. The family believes that the neighbour's negligence led to the unfortunate incident.

While the father was occupied with his daughter's treatment, a complaint was officially registered on January 12, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings. The police have filed a case under sections 289 (negligent conduct concerning an animal) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code at Shahbad Dairy police station.

“Dangerous" dog breed-related incidents
The breed of the dog involved in the attack has been identified as an American Bully, a breed known for its strength and potential danger. The police have communicated with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for further action in the case.

This incident adds to a growing concern regarding dog attacks, particularly those involving breeds considered potentially dangerous. Last year, a 17-year-old girl in Neb Sarai, South Delhi, suffered injuries from an American Bully.

In the wake of such incidents, the Delhi High Court has urged swift action by the Centre, preferably within three months, on representations seeking a ban on "dangerous" dog breeds.